A massive earthquake hit near Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula on July 29. It was one of the biggest in recent years, with a magnitude of 8.8. The earthquake happened under the ocean, which can lead to dangerous waves called tsunamis.
Because of this, tsunami warnings were sent out to parts of the United States, including Hawaii, Alaska, and the West Coast. Officials warned that waves could be large and dangerous, and people near the coast should move to higher ground.
Former President Donald Trump shared a message on social media asking people to take the warning seriously. He said, “A Tsunami Warning is in effect for those living in Hawaii. A Tsunami Watch is in effect for Alaska and the Pacific Coast of the United States. Please visit tsunami.gov for updates. Stay strong and stay safe” (NDTV).
Hawaii and the West Coast Take Action
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said Hawaii was most at risk. Waves as high as 6 feet were expected in some areas. On Maui and Kauai, people were told to leave their homes and move to safe places. Shelters opened for families, and many roads were closed to keep people safe (People Magazine).
On the mainland, warnings also reached parts of California, Oregon, and Washington. In Northern California, places like Crescent City got full tsunami alerts. Officials in San Francisco warned people to stay off beaches and leave low-lying areas right away.
Alaska was also on alert, with waves being tracked closely by the National Tsunami Warning Center.
Are We Ready for a Real Emergency?
Some scientists and emergency experts are worried that the U.S. might not be fully ready for a large tsunami. They say the warning systems need more money and workers to keep people safe. According to Heatmap News, recent budget cuts may have made it harder for emergency teams to send alerts quickly.
Carrie Garrison-Laney, who studies tsunamis at the University of Washington, said that small towns on the coast could be hit hard if warnings are delayed or missed.
What Should You Do?
If you live near the ocean in a place under a warning, move inland or to higher ground. Stay away from beaches, marinas, and harbors. Tsunamis can come in many waves, and the first one is not always the biggest. It’s important to keep listening to the news and updates from tsunami.gov.
Even though no deaths have been reported yet, this event is a big reminder of how powerful nature can be. It also shows why staying prepared and following safety warnings is so important.
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