A tsunami warning for the west coast has been called off after a 7.9 earthquake hit near Kodiak, Alaska this morning.
Just evacuated after a 8.2M earthquake off the coast of Kodiak! Everyone stay safe!!! @cnnbrk @ABC pic.twitter.com/9huqsZgqom
— Olivia Apitz (@olivia_apitzz) January 23, 2018
The residents have been given the "all clear" by the city manager and Kodiak mayor, Pat Branson. School has been cancelled and residents are being reminded to drive home safely.
The tsunami warning was initially for the coast of B.C. and Alaska.
"All tsunami watches and warnings have been cancelled associated with the M7.9 earthquake in Alaska," stated meteorologist, Eric Holthaus.
Overnight, several regions along the coast activated their emergency plans and evacuated those in at-risk communities.
Tue Jan 23 09:38:01 UTC 2018 event picture pic.twitter.com/AHbKZ8xPuJ
— NWS Tsunami Alerts (@NWS_NTWC) January 23, 2018
Residents of Tofino had evacuated and had been warned by Mayor Josie Osborne, that the tsunami was expected to hit at 4:40 a.m.
By about 5 a.m., the tsunami was called off, but residents were still advised to reach higher ground.
The tsunami was expected to impact marinas and low lying areas under 20 metres, as well as cause widespread coastal flooding.
Residents were asked not to call 9-1-1 for Tsunami information unless someone's life is at stake.
The tsunami warning was also in effect for the Juan de Fuca Strait coast, Haida Gwaii ans the central, west and northeast coast of Vancouver Island. It was also expected to impact southeast Alaska, near Cape Fairweather.
"Emergency Management BC activated the Provincial Emergency Coordination Centre, and five provincial regional operations centers," stated minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, Mike Farnworth.
"Although the tsunami warning was eventually suspended, this event demonstrates the coast warning systems do work."
Residents are reminded in the event of a future tsunami, to "stay calm, stay safe; listen to your local officials and head to higher ground."
