11:36 p.m. ET, April 2, 2024
Tsunami latest: Japan and Philippines lift warnings, threat to US has “largely passed”
Both the Philippines and Japan have canceled their tsunami warnings, whilst the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center has said the threat to the United States has “largely passed”.
Tsunami waves were observed on the coasts of Taiwan and far southwestern Japanese islands following a 7.4 magnitude earthquake hit Taiwan on Wednesday morning.
But there were no immediate reports of any major damage caused by these waves.
In Taiwan: Tsunami heights reached nearly half a meter, or 1.5 feet, in Chenggong, approximately 100 km (62 miles) south of the quake’s epicenter.
Observed tsunami heights are measured over open water and can reach significantly higher when they reach shore.
In Japan: A 0.3-meter wave impacted Okinawa Island, Naha airport spokesperson Hideaki Tsurodo told CNN, but no waves reached the airport and it was soon reopened.
In the Philippines: The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said “no significant sea level disturbances” had been recorded since the earthquake.
“With this, any effects due to the tsunami warning have largely passed,” the institute said.
In the US: For the US, including Hawaii, the threat of any tsunami risk has “largely passed”, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said. The update issued by its warning center in Honolulu said the evaluation was “based on all available data.”
It added that minor sea level “fluctuations” of up to 30 centimeters above and below normal tide levels might continue “over the next few hours.”
The US Tsunami Warning Center also advised government agencies to “monitor conditions at the coast to determine if and when it is safe to resume normal activities.”
Tsunami waves less than 0.3 meters may be observed for the coasts of Guam, Indonesia, Northern Marianas, Palau, Philippines, South Korea, Vietnam, and Yap, the center added.
On April 2, 2024, the Pacific experienced a series of significant seismic events, culminating in a 7.4 magnitude earthquake in Taiwan. This earthquake triggered tsunami warnings across the region, causing concern for countries such as Japan, the Philippines, and the United States. However, as the situation unfolded, it became apparent that the threat had largely passed.
Taiwan and Japan, both directly impacted by the earthquake, swiftly responded by canceling their tsunami warnings. While tsunami waves were observed along certain coastlines, no major damage was reported. Taiwan experienced heights of nearly half a meter in Chenggong, while Japan saw a 0.3-meter wave on Okinawa Island. It is worth noting that tsunami heights can significantly increase upon reaching shore.
The situation in the Philippines was similarly reassuring, with no significant sea level disturbances recorded by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology. The institute confidently stated that any effects of the tsunami warning had largely passed, providing relief to residents and visitors alike.
For the United States, including Hawaii, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center declared that the threat of a tsunami risk had largely dissipated. This announcement was grounded in a thorough evaluation of all available data. While minor sea level fluctuations may continue for a few more hours, the center reassured government agencies that it was safe to resume normal activities, advising them to monitor coastal conditions closely.
Despite the relatively positive outcome in this instance, it is crucial to understand the potential implications of natural disasters and the response strategies employed. As climate change continues to affect the frequency and intensity of seismic events, it is essential for countries to remain vigilant and prepared.
The events of April 2, 2024, serve as a reminder of the interconnectedness of our global community. With regions as far-reaching as Guam, Indonesia, Northern Marianas, Palau, the Philippines, South Korea, Vietnam, and Yap potentially experiencing waves less than 0.3 meters, it is evident that collaboration and information sharing are vital to ensure the safety and well-being of all.
As we navigate an uncertain future, it is imperative for governments and organizations to invest in robust early warning systems, improved infrastructure, and effective disaster response protocols. Learning from past experiences and emerging trends, we have the opportunity to shape a more resilient future.