Colombian authorities have ordered the evacuation of residents along the Pacific coast due to a tsunami warning issued after a powerful 8.8-magnitude earthquake near the Russian Kamchatka Peninsula. This was reported by the Agence France-Presse (AFP), BTA reports.
The National Disaster Risk Management Service in Colombia published a message on the “Ex“ platform (formerly Twitter), warning of a possible tsunami in the Choco and Nariño regions. Preventive evacuation from low-lying coastal areas and beaches is recommended.
Emergency measures were also taken in Latin America and other countries in the Pacific region. Peru issued a tsunami warning, and a tsunami watch was activated in the Galapagos Islands.
Local authorities in French Polynesia warned that a tsunami could hit the Marquesas Islands. According to forecasts, waves between 1.10 and 2.20 meters high are expected to reach the islands of Ua Huka, Nuku Hiva and Hiva Oa overnight.
Lower waves (up to 30 centimeters) are expected in the remaining island groups of French Polynesia, which does not require evacuation for now, local services announced.
Residents of all threatened areas are urged to move to higher ground and follow the instructions of local authorities. The measures are aimed at preventing casualties in the event of high tidal waves caused by the earthquake in Kamchatka.