Kamchatka records aftershocks following earthquake, tsunami alerts deactivated in the Pacific

Environment Writing, July 31 (EFE).- The Kamchatka Peninsula, in eastern Russia, experienced several aftershocks on Thursday from the 8.8 magnitude earthquake that occurred the previous day, the largest recorded in the region since 1952. Authorities reported that the tsunami alert was deactivated on the Pacific coasts.

The Unified Geophysical Service of Russia reported eight seismic movements with magnitudes between 4.5 and 6.7 in the coastal zone within an hour. It was not considered necessary to reactivate the tsunami alert due to the progressive decrease in seismic activity, which could continue for the next few months. Kamchatka is a region with high seismic and volcanic activity. According to Roman Pukalov, head of environmental protection programs at Green Patrol, cited by the TASS agency, the event did not generate significant ecological consequences. No incidents were reported at Japanese nuclear power plants and only some damage to marine fauna due to falling rocks was recorded. No fatalities have been reported, although material damage was reported in coastal areas. In Asia, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) confirmed the lifting of the tsunami alert across the country. Waves of up to 1.3 meters reached part of the Japanese coast the previous day. Local authorities issued evacuation orders for approximately 2 million people, which caused disruptions in rail and air transport, including the Tokyo metropolitan area and Sendai airport. The precautionary measures in Japan were based on background such as the 1952 earthquake, which generated a tsunami of more than 10 meters and caused casualties in Alaska and Hawaii. China and the Philippines also lifted their alerts after the improvement of conditions. In America, countries with coastlines on the Pacific, from the United States to the south of the continent, deactivated their alerts after evacuating residents and tourists. The waves recorded in the region did not exceed one meter in height in most cases. In Colombia, the government canceled the tsunami alert for the Pacific coast, including the areas of Nariño, Cauca, Valle del Cauca and Chocó. In Peru, the Directorate of Hydrography and Navigation of the Navy reported the cancellation of the alert and recommended that local authorities evaluate the reopening of port and coastal activities. In Chile, the National Disaster Prevention and Response Service canceled the tsunami alert for the Antarctic region, maintaining a state of precaution on Easter Island and San Félix, and on the central and northern coast of the country. The director of the institution, Alicia Cebrián, indicated that the situation remains under monitoring. The highest waves recorded were 60 centimeters in the Coquimbo region and 70 centimeters on Easter Island. (EFE)