China issued a yellow alert for tsunami — the third-highest level in its four-tier warning system — for certain coastal regions at 10:19 am on Wednesday, following a powerful earthquake that struck the eastern coast of Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula in the morning.
The alert, issued by the tsunami warning center under the Ministry of Natural Resources, said that the earthquake has triggered a tsunami, which is expected to have a disastrous impact on some coastal areas in Taiwan, Zhejiang and Shanghai.
In China, the earliest wave of the tsunami is anticipated to reach Hualien, Taiwan, at 1:23 pm, with maximum wave amplitude ranging from 30 to 100 centimeters. The wave is expected to hit Shanghai at 7:09 pm, the center said.
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The center urged the government and relevant departments to carry out disaster prevention and mitigation efforts in accordance with their responsibilities. Coastal residents should follow the government's instructions to evacuate in an orderly and safe manner.
Once individuals in the sea, on the beaches or in low-lying coastal areas observe signs of an impending tsunami, they must cease all activities and run to higher ground immediately, it added.
The center highlighted that all tsunami warnings must be taken seriously, as the destructive force of a tsunami varies depending on coastal topography. All people should remain in safe areas until the alerts are lifted.
Shanghai, Zhejiang brace for tsunami
Shanghai maritime safety authorities issued a navigation warning of rising water level in the coastal area on Wednesday.
A water level rise of 0.3 to 1 meter is expected in the Yangtze River Estuary and Hangzhou Bay waters from the Wednesday afternoon to evening. All vessels are advised to exercise caution, according to the authorities.
The Shanghai marine monitoring and forecasting center predicts these effects will last two to three hours and it will not exceed warning thresholds at Shanghai's coastal monitoring stations.
In Zhejiang province, the marine monitoring and forecasting center also issued a tsunami warning.
Preventive measures are in effect across both regions. Maritime authorities have ordered ships to reinforce their anchor chains and mooring ropes. Coastal tourism areas and marine passenger routes remain closed.
Local authorities have urged coastal residents to move away from shoreline areas upon receiving tsunami warnings, while previously evacuated maritime workers have been instructed to remain in safe areas.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and will issue updates as necessary.
