Residents in Japan have been placed on high alert due to the looming threat of a tsunami, which could potentially impact a nuclear power facility.
Early on Wednesday (July 30), a powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 8.8 struck Russia’s far east, sending shockwaves throughout the Pacific Ocean.
Concerns have arisen that the seismic event may lead to tsunamis affecting Japan and the United States, prompting evacuations in the affected areas.
In Japan, nearly two million individuals have been advised to evacuate, including 4,000 employees from the Fukushima nuclear power station.
According to the BBC, the nuclear plant’s operator confirmed that workers were evacuated as a safety measure, and the facility did not exhibit any ‘abnormalities.’
The tsunami warnings are especially distressing for Fukushima’s residents, who recall the devastating tsunami that followed a 9.0 magnitude earthquake in 2011, resulting in over 18,000 fatalities, as reported by the National Centers for Environmental Information.
The 2011 tsunami led to a meltdown at the Fukushima nuclear plant when its emergency generators failed due to overheating caused by flooding.
The 2011 earthquake remains the most powerful ever recorded in Japan and ranks as the fourth-largest globally since 1900.
In a recent briefing, the UN nuclear watchdog reported ‘no safety impact for nuclear power plants along the Pacific coast,’ according to the BBC.
The International Atomic Energy Agency communicated via Twitter: “IAEA is in contact with Japan national authorities about 8.8 magnitude earthquake off Russia’s east coast & resulting tsunami.
“Initial reports indicate no safety impact for nuclear power plants along Pacific coast. ALPS treated water discharge halted in line w/ safety protocols.”
By 9pm local time, Japan had downgraded the tsunami threat to ‘advisory’ status nationwide.
In the United States, an advisory suggests: “Strong currents and waves dangerous to those in or very near water possible, stay out of water, away from beaches and waterways.”
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A ‘warning,’ the highest level of alert from the US National Weather Service, indicates: “Dangerous coastal flooding and powerful currents possible, move to high ground or inland.”
The elevated tsunami conditions are anticipated to persist throughout Wednesday.
Similar alerts have been issued in regions including China, the Philippines, Indonesia, Guam, Peru, and the Galapagos Islands.