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7.2 Magnitude Earthquake Prompts Brief Tsunami Warning For Areas of Aleutians
Published: 06/23/2011 19:39:00
Updated: 06/23/2011 20:38:32

Map showing the area of Alaska that was under a Tsunami Warning for about an hour Thursday (6/23/11) Evening (NWS/NOAA)

Theoretical Tsunami Travel Times with ADT and PDT annotations (KATH-TV)

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Massive Earthquake in Japan Triggers Tsunami Warnings Across Pacific Including Alaska

The West & Coast Alaska Tsunami Warning Center issued the following Tsunami Warning for areas of Coastal Alaska at 7:15 PM Thursday evening following a magnitude 7.2 earthquake near the Aleutian Islands in the northern Pacific Ocean. The alert was canceled at 8:19 PM after no tsunami was observed.

"A Tsunami Warning is now in effect which includes the coastal areas of Alaska from Unimak Pass, Alaska (80 miles NE of Dutch Harbor) to Amchitka Pass, Alaska (125 miles W of Adak).

This message is for Information Only for coastal areas of California, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia and Alaska from the California-Mexico border to Unimak Pass, Alaska (80 miles NE of Dutch Harbor).

This message is for Information Only for coastal areas of Alaska from Amchitka Pass, Alaska (125 miles W of Adak) to Attu, Alaska.

A Tsunami Warning means that all coastal residents in the warning area who are near the beach or in low-lying regions should move immediately inland to higher ground and away from all harbors and inlets including those sheltered directly from the sea. Those feeling the earth shake, seeing unusual wave action, or the water level rising or receding may have only a few minutes before the tsunami arrival and should move immediately. Homes and small buildings are not designed to withstand tsunami impacts. Do not stay in these structures.

All residents within the warned area should be alert for instructions broadcast from their local civil authorities. Earthquakes of this magnitude are known to generate tsunamis.

At 7:10 PM Alaskan Daylight Time on June 23, an earthquake with preliminary magnitude 7.3 occurred 20 miles/32 Km southeast of Amukta Pass, Alaska . (Refer to the United States Geological Survey for official earthquake parameters.) Earthquakes of this size are known to generate tsunamis. If a tsunami has been generated, the waves will first reach Adak, Alaska at 8:12 PM AKDT on June 23. Estimated tsunami arrival times and maps along with safety rules and other information can be found on the WCATWC web site.

Tsunamis can be dangerous waves that are not survivable. Wave heights are amplified by irregular shoreline and are difficult to forecast. Tsunamis often appear as a strong surge and may be preceded by a receding water level. Mariners in water deeper than 600 feet should not be affected by a tsunami. Wave heights will increase rapidly as water shallows. Tsunamis are a series of ocean waves which can be dangerous for several hours after the initial wave arrival. DO NOT return to evacuated areas until an all clear is given by local civil authorities.

Pacific coastal regions outside California, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, and Alaska should refer to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center messages for information on the event.

This message will be updated in 30 minutes or sooner if the situation warrants. The tsunami message will remain in effect until further notice. For further information stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio, your local TV or radio stations, or see the WCATWC web site."

http://tsunami.gov/

By: KATH-TV - news@kath.tv

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