Thaindian News

HONOLULU (BNO NEWS) — A tsunami warning was issued for the U.S. state of Hawaii on late Thursday evening, officials said, while tsunami watches were issued for parts of the U.S. mainland.

The warning and watches were issued after a massive 8.9-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of northeastern Japan, creating huge tsunamis that have devastated parts of Japan. It was followed by a series of major aftershocks, including one of 7.1 on the Richter scale.

“A tsunami has been generated that could cause damage along coastlines of all islands in the state of Hawaii,” the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said in a bulletin. “Urgent action should be taken to protect lives and property.”

Emergency sirens were being sounded across Hawaii, and officials are expected to order evacuations of coastlines in case a large tsunami reaches the islands.

For the mainland of the United States, the West Coast and Alaska Tsunami Warning Center issued a tsunami watch for coastal areas of California, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia and Alaska from the California-Mexico border to Chignik Bay, Alaska.

In addition, a tsunami advisory has been issued for the coastal areas of Alaska from Chignik Bay, Alaska to Attu, Alaska.

A Tsunami Advisory means that a tsunami capable of producing strong currents or waves dangerous to persons in or very near the water is expected. Significant, widespread inundation is not expected for areas under an advisory. Currents may be hazardous to swimmers, boats, and coastal structures and may continue for several hours after the initial wave arrival.

A Tsunami Watch means that all coastal residents in the watch area should prepare for possible evacuation. A tsunami watch is issued to areas which will not be immediately impacted by the tsunami. Watch areas will either be upgraded to warning or advisory status, or canceled.