Guam – Dangerous ocean currents and unpredictable sea level changes are expected to threaten Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa through Thursday morning after a powerful 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck off Kamchatka, Russia early Wednesday.
According to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, hazardous conditions began shortly after 2:30 p.m. CHST, with ongoing risks of strong currents, minor flooding, and fluctuating water levels in beaches, harbors, and near-shore waters. Tsunami wave heights measured up to half a foot in Pago Bay, Guam, and nearly a foot at Saipan by early evening, while advisories for American Samoa noted arrival times starting just before 10 p.m. SST.
Residents and visitors in Guam, Rota, Tinian, Saipan, and American Samoa are strongly urged to stay out of the ocean and move away from beaches and harbors. Emergency management officials stress that even small waves or rapid sea level changes can be hazardous, especially in harbors and coastal inlets.
Preparedness steps include avoiding all non-essential coastal travel, monitoring local alerts, and following government instructions. The current hazard could last for several more hours or longer, with updates expected hourly or as conditions change.
Warnings will remain in effect into Thursday, and additional advisories may be issued if the situation worsens.
