6.6 magnitude earthquake hits South Pacific near Samoa, no damage reported
The quake occurred 440 kilometers (273 miles) southwest of the capital Apia at a depth of 314 kilometers (195 miles), the U.S. Geological Survey said.
Jarrett Malifa, a staff member at the Samoa Observer news website, said no damage or injury has been reported.
Malifa said in a email Samoa Meteorological Services had confirmed there was no tsunami threat.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Honolulu also assessed there was no tsunami threat.
Samoa sits on the "Ring of Fire," an arc of seismic faults around the Pacific Ocean where earthquakes and volcanoes are common.
In 2009, two large earthquakes struck midway between Samoa and American Samoa, a U.S. territory. The earthquakes generated tsunami waves that killed at least 192 people in Samoa, American Samoa and Tonga.
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India.com
18 hours ago
- India.com
From Hawaii To Chile, Tsunami Fears Ease; Pacific Nations Breathe After Russia's Monster Earthquake
New York: Colombia and Ecuador have officially withdrawn their tsunami alerts following the massive 8.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Russia's far eastern coastline on Wednesday. Authorities in both countries acknowledged the passing of the wave threat, but urged coastal residents to remain alert and follow official instructions as a precaution. Colombia's disaster management agency said the waves no longer pose a risk to the coasts of Nariño, Cauca, Valle del Cauca, and Chocó. Meanwhile, Ecuador's Oceanographic and Antarctic Institute stated that although the primary danger has passed, some areas might still witness minor sea-level disturbances. Local residents were advised not to return to the beaches too soon. Chile on High Alert, But No Major Damage Reported In Chile, emergency officials confirmed there had been no reported injuries or damage on Easter Island, despite tsunami waves hitting the island's docked vessels. Authorities credited a swift and orderly evacuation for minimising risk. 'There are no reports of harm to people or infrastructure,' said Alicia Cebrián, head of the national emergency service Senapred. Government officials are coordinating with regional councils to assess the need for shelters. Interior Minister Álvaro Elizalde said decisions on evacuation facilities will be made locally and updated once authorities collect more information. As a preventive step, Chile also ordered residents to clear out from coastal parts of its Antarctic Territory, as well as sections of the Aysén Region, including Guaitecas and Cisnes. Similar precautions are being enforced across Maule, Ñuble, Biobío, La Araucanía, Los Ríos and Los Lagos. Hawaii, U.S. Coastline See Wave Activity Subside The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center announced the cancellation of tsunami advisories for all Hawaiian islands. Officials confirmed wave heights had diminished across the region. Hawaii experienced some of the highest waves from the Russian quake, peaking at 5.7 feet. In the mainland United States, alerts were lifted for much of the Pacific coastline. Advisories remain in effect for two parts of California and Alaska's Aleutian Islands. Officials warned of lingering ocean surges and strong currents, even in regions where the alert has ended. New Zealand Urges Vigilance New Zealand's national emergency agency issued a fresh advisory on Thursday morning. Residents near the coast were told to steer clear of beaches and stay away from the water. Authorities warned that strong and erratic surges may continue for several hours, even as the threat of inland flooding remains minimal. Officials confirmed that tsunami activity had already reached parts of the country. They stressed that initial waves are not always the most powerful, and that caution is necessary until the advisory is lifted. Galapagos Islands See Moderate Tsunami Waves Ecuador's Galapagos Islands were among the first to report tsunami activity after the Russian earthquake. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center recorded waves as high as 1.04 metres in Baltra and 0.4 metres in Santa Cruz. Ecuador's naval institute confirmed similar readings and said some locations had seen waves of up to 1.3 metres. Though there was no material damage reported, Ecuadorian authorities kept the national tsunami warning in place. Oceanographic Institute of the Navy (INOCAR) advised residents in at-risk areas to continue evacuations and remain in safe zones. Officials reminded people that tsunamis often consist of multiple waves, and the danger may persist for hours. Chile Evacuates Prisons in Low-Lying Zones Five Chilean prisons are being evacuated under emergency protocols. The facilities are located at low elevations along the coast. Inmates are being transferred to other correctional centres within the region. The operation is being carried out under full security guidelines, according to the interior ministry. Authorities refrained from disclosing the specific locations of the facilities, citing national security measures. Elizalde emphasised that all steps were part of Chile's established natural disaster contingency planning. Over 100 Aftershocks Recorded Since Main Quake The earthquake that struck off Russia's eastern coast has been followed by more than 125 aftershocks above magnitude 4.4. At least three of these exceeded magnitude 6.0. The strongest aftershock registered at 6.9 under an hour after the initial quake. Seismic experts said the region could expect several more tremors in the coming days. Data from the US Geological Survey suggests the frequency and intensity of aftershocks will decline over time, but activity may continue for weeks or months. Shock and Disruption in Russia's Far East In Russia, residents near the quake's epicenter described moments of chaos. Tremors reportedly lasted up to four minutes. People rushed to fuel stations, trying to stock up. At homes, paintings fell from walls and furniture shifted. In Kamchatka, a tourist guide said the floor moved like waves. Many high-rise residents are reportedly considering temporary relocation. The Kremlin confirmed that there were no casualties. However, officials did not comment on the number of people injured or displaced. A Region Breathing Again Authorities across the Pacific Rim are stepping back from red alerts, yet remain in watch mode. The earthquake's long reach sparked a ripple effect across continents. Governments, emergency teams and local communities responded quickly. For now, the waves have passed. But for those living by the ocean, the memory of what could have been will linger.
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First Post
a day ago
- First Post
10 tsunamis that hit America as fierce waves hit Russia, Japan and Hawaii
From Alaska to Puerto Rico, the U.S. has faced some of history's most powerful tsunamis. As fresh waves hit Hawaii, Russia, and Japan in July 2025, here's a look at 10 major tsunamis that show just how vulnerable America's coasts remain. read more As powerful waves battered the coasts of Russia, Japan and Hawaii in July 2025 renewed attention has turned to the destructive history of tsunamis that have struck the United States over the centuries. While tsunamis are often associated with the Pacific Rim, America's coastlines, especially Hawaii, Alaska, and the West Coast have endured multiple deadly and damaging tsunamis. Here are 10 tsunamis that have impacted US territories, highlighting the range of natural forces that can generate these massive sea waves. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD July 2025 – Hawaii Hawaii's Big Island was struck by unusually high and fast-moving waves this month after a deep undersea disturbance in the western Pacific triggered tsunami-like activity. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued alerts, and some coastal areas experienced flooding. While damages were limited, the event underscored Hawaii's vulnerability due to its central location in the Pacific 'Ring of Fire.' 2022 – Tonga eruption, effects in California and Hawaii The eruption of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai undersea volcano in January 2022 sent shockwaves across the Pacific. Tsunami waves reached as far as California and Hawaii, causing minor flooding in harbors and prompting widespread tsunami warnings. Though relatively mild in the U.S., it served as a reminder that volcanic activity, not just earthquakes, can generate tsunamis. 2011 – Japan earthquake and tsunami, US West Coast impacted The magnitude 9.0 earthquake off Japan's northeast coast in March 2011 created a massive tsunami that devastated Japan and reached the U.S. Pacific coast. Harbors in California and Oregon were damaged, and one person was killed in Crescent City, California, while attempting to photograph the incoming waves. 1964 – Prince William Sound, Alaska One of the most powerful earthquakes ever recorded in North America (magnitude 9.2) struck Alaska's Prince William Sound in March 1964. The resulting tsunami killed more than 130 people, some as far away as California and Oregon. Valdez and Seward in Alaska were severely damaged. 1960 – Chile earthquake impacts US West Coast The Great Chilean earthquake—the most powerful ever recorded globally (magnitude 9.5)—generated a tsunami that crossed the Pacific and caused damage in Hawaii, California, and even Japan. In Hawaii, 61 people were killed, and damage ran into millions of dollars. 1946 – Aleutian Islands, Alaska A magnitude 7.3 earthquake in Alaska's Aleutian Islands triggered a devastating tsunami that struck Hilo, Hawaii. The waves killed 159 people, mostly in Hawaii, and led to the creation of the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center. 1918 – Puerto Rico (Mona Rift) A powerful earthquake in the Mona Passage off western Puerto Rico triggered a tsunami that killed at least 116 people. The earthquake, estimated at magnitude 7.3–7.5, caused flooding along the Puerto Rican coast and remains one of the deadliest natural disasters in the island's history. 1867 – Virgin Islands A tsunami generated by an earthquake in the Anegada Trough near the Virgin Islands led to destructive waves that flooded coastal areas of St. Thomas and St. Croix. Though the exact magnitude is uncertain, the event revealed seismic vulnerabilities in the Caribbean region. 1700 – Cascadia Subduction Zone On January 26, 1700, a massive earthquake (estimated magnitude 9.0) along the Cascadia Subduction Zone off the coast of the Pacific Northwest triggered a tsunami that reached Japan hours later. Oral histories from Indigenous communities and Japanese records provided evidence of the event, highlighting the long-term risks to the Oregon, Washington, and Northern California coasts. 900 AD – Puget Sound, Washington Geological and archaeological evidence suggests a large earthquake and tsunami occurred in the Puget Sound region around 900 AD, likely with a magnitude of 7.5. Studies of coastal sediments, along with Indigenous oral traditions, support the theory of ancient seismic activity in what is now a densely populated area. America's tsunami risk: A persistent threat The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) continue to monitor and assess tsunami risks to U.S. coastlines. According to the USGS, the most vulnerable areas include Alaska, Hawaii, and the West Coast—especially where tectonic plates converge or where volcanic islands are present. Modern warning systems, including the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center and West Coast/Alaska Tsunami Warning Center, offer early alerts, but historical evidence shows that not all tsunamis give clear warning signs. Earthquakes, landslides, and volcanic eruptions can all be triggers—some thousands of miles from where the waves ultimately strike.
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
8.8-magnitude Russia earthquake sparks panic: Tsunami advisory still active in Hawaii, Philippines breathes a sigh of relief
Tsunami warning downgraded in Hawaii Pacific Tsunami Warning Center REDUCED the alert level for Hawaii to a TSUNAMI ADVISORY. Unusually strong currents and waves still possible close to the shore and in harbors. Officials are assessing damage but have NOT reopened coastal evacuation areas. Stay clear of these areas. — COH Civil Defense (@CivilDefenseHI) July 30, 2025 BREAKING : Millions have advised to evacuate from coastal areas in Eastern Japan after a massive 8.7 magnitude earthquake hit Russia and a massive Tsunami has triggered. USA also issued warning for its coastal areas. — Baba Banaras™ (@RealBababanaras) July 30, 2025 About the Russia earthquake and its impact Tsunami waves rocked Pacific coastlines across Japan, Hawaii and parts of California on Wednesday (July 30). This came hours after a devastating earthquake of 8.8 magnitude hit the Far Eastern Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia. A tsunami warning was soon issued for the state of Hawaii, which garnered a fair deal of attention internationally. Now, the warning has been downgraded to an Pacific Tsunami Warning Center has downgraded the previously-issued tsunami alert for the state of Hawaii to a 'tsunami advisory'. While addressing a press conference, officials said that 'no large damage' linked to the waves has been reported so far. They added that those who had been asked to evacuate could now return The Japan Meteorological Agency too earlier issued a tsunami warning for the entire eastern coastline. The public broadcaster NHK stated waves over 4 feet were observed in Kuji, a coastal town in Eastern Japan. The warning was expected to last for at least a day. However, according to Khaleej Times, the alerts have been downgraded in many the tsunami alert has also been lifted in the Philippines.'No significant sea level disturbances nor destructive tsunami waves have been recorded since the 7.25am earthquake up until this cancellation. Any effects due to minor sea level disturbances have largely passed,' read the further stated that the alert is no longer in effectA powerful earthquake measuring 8.8 on the Richter scale struck Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula on Wednesday, July 30. This resulted in tsunami warnings across multiple Pacific regions. Luckily, the quake originated at a depth of nearly 600 kilometers. This reduced its impact at the surface level. Authorities confirmed that tremors were felt in nearby areas but no major damage was done. Following the earthquake, countries like Japan, the Philippines, and the United States (Hawaii) issued tsunami alerts. These have, however, been lifted in most areas. That said, the situation is still being monitored closely.
