SMG confirms no direct tsunami impact following Kamchatka earthquake

The Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau (SMG) confirmed that the powerful 8.8-magnitude earthquake near Kamchatka, Russia, would not cause a direct tsunami impact on the city.

Authorities continued to monitor weather conditions yesterday – including persistent rain and thunderstorms.

In an official statement released at 2:15 p.m. yesterday, SMG said, “After comprehensive analysis, it is expected that the tsunami caused by the earthquake in the Off East Coast of Kamchatka will not have a direct impact on Macau.”

In a 4:25 p.m. statement, the bureau said minor tsunami waves were expected to reach the Macau coast between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. yesterday, with water level fluctuations of 0.1 meters or less.

A yellow hot weather warning and a yellow rainstorm warning were both issued at 2:10 p.m. yesterday. Earlier, at 1:45 p.m., a thunderstorm warning was issued. All rainstorm warnings, including the thunderstorm warning, were cancelled by the SMG at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday.

As of 11 a.m. yesterday, the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) confirmed it had not received any requests for assistance or inquiries related to the incident.

According to local travel industry sources, approximately 48 Macau residents are currently traveling in Japan – specifically in Osaka, Hokkaido, and Kyushu – on tours organized by Hong Kong agencies.

It also stated that it is monitoring the situation and urged Macau residents in Japan to stay alert to official weather and disaster warnings, avoid coastal areas, and prioritize personal safety.

Meanwhile, the Hong Kong Observatory projected that the forecasted tsunami would raise the tide by only 0.1 metre or less, minimally impacting Hong Kong.

Recorded tsunami heights elsewhere in the Pacific ranged from 0.6 metres at Oarai, Honshu, to 1.3 metres at Kujiko, Honshu, Japan.

Today, the local weather bureau warns of additional showers and a chance of thunderstorms early this morning. For the remainder of today, SMG forecasts cloudy skies with occasional sunny intervals. Temperatures will range from 26 degrees Celcius to 32 degrees, while relative humidity is expected to be between 70% and 98%. NS