Pago Pago, American Samoa – Residents in American Samoa are being urged to stay off beaches and out of harbors through Wednesday morning as tsunami-driven ocean hazards continue following Tuesday’s powerful earthquake off the east coast of Kamchatka, Russia.
According to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, an 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck at 12:25 p.m. SST, generating a tsunami that may cause dangerous sea level changes and strong, unpredictable currents around the islands. The advisory remains in effect for all of American Samoa, including Tutuila, Aunu’u, Ofu, Olosega, and Ta‘ū, with hazardous conditions expected to persist for several more hours.
Wave activity could reach up to 3 feet above or below normal tide levels, potentially causing minor flooding along beaches and in harbors. Locations such as Swains Island, Fagasa, Amanave, Leone, Vatia, and Pago Pago can expect hazardous conditions beginning as early as 9:39 p.m. SST and continuing into Wednesday. The National Weather Service warns that the strongest waves may not be the first, and several wave cycles could occur over the next 12 hours.
Officials urge all residents to avoid coastal waters, postpone boating, and move away from the shoreline. Follow all local government instructions, and be alert for updated advisories throughout the night.
The tsunami advisory will remain in effect until hazards have fully passed. Updates will be provided hourly or as conditions change.
