Tsunami warning for PNG following massive earthquake off Russian Coast

A massive magnitude 8.7 earthquake struck off the east coast of the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia early this morning, triggering an ocean-wide tsunami across the North Pacific Ocean.

Geohazards and Management revealed that according to initial reports, the undersea quake occurred at a depth of 20 kilometres and has generated a destructive local tsunami near its epicentre, located at 52.29°N and 159.77°E. The resulting tsunami is now propagating toward distant Pacific coastlines, including Papua New Guinea’s northern regions.

The National Disaster Centre has issued a tsunami warning for the following coastal provinces:
Manus Island, New Ireland, East and West New Britain, Autonomous Region of Bougainville, Madang, East Sepik, and West Sepik.

The tsunami is expected to reach PNG shores this afternoon between 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM. Estimated wave arrival times and heights are:

Location Estimated Arrival Time Wave Height

Manus Island 4:50 PM 1 – 3 meters
Kavieng 4:50 PM 1 – 3 meters
Rabaul 5:50 PM 0.3 – 1.0 meters
Kimbe 5:40 PM 1 – 3 meters
Madang 5:50 PM 1 – 3 meters
Wewak 5:30 PM 1 – 3 meters
Vanimo 5:20 PM 1 – 3 meters

Authorities are urging residents in the affected coastal areas to immediately move to higher ground or relocate inland. All persons in the warning zones should stay away from the coast and follow updates and instructions from the National Disaster Centre and local authorities.

Do not return to coastal areas until an official "all clear" is issued. Tsunami arrival times and wave heights are estimates and may be updated as more information becomes available.

Further updates will be provided by disaster management agencies. Please stay tuned to official channels for verified information.