Bougainville Disaster Office: Tsunami Warning for Bougainville Coastal Areas
A tsunami warning has been issued for northern PNG coastlines due to a very large magnitude earthquake that struck the Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia, in the North Pacific that has generated an ocean-wide tsunami. Tsunami warning have been issued for several countries in the Pacific. The Tsunami has already hit parts of Japan and Russia.
As per the bulletin from the Department of Mineral Policy and Geohazards Management, the tsunami is predicted to reach the areas of Manus Island, New Ireland, New Britain, AROB, Madang, East Sepik, and West Sepik between 4.00 pm and 7.00 pm this afternoon.
As a coastal Pacific Island region, Bougainville shares equivalent exposure. Hence, there is potential for strong currents, coastal flooding, and waves near 1-3 meters, depending on local bathymetry and distance. All the people residing along the Bougainville coastline especially Atoll Islands, Buka Island and Nissan Island are advised to stay vigilant and instructed to move to higher grounds, or further inland, and avoid going to the coast around this time.
Fishermen to avoid going out to the sea until advised from authorities. Small crafts should not travel at this time, Bougainville Directorate of Disaster & Emergency will provide updates when it is safe to travel.
Stay alert for more information. The Bougainville Emergency & Disaster Management Directorate will update when it is safe to return.
Bougainville Directorate of Disaster and Emergency of Department of Community Government is working closely with Department of Mining, Minerals and Geohazard Department to maintain updated information and communication on this alert.
We urge the public to remain calm during this time. Please follow official instructions and avoid spreading unverified information. Your safety is our highest priority, and updates will continue to be shared as more information becomes available.
For further enquires contact the following: Director Disaster Julius Nohu (+675 79512899), Director Emmanuel Morinagu- Geohazard Management Unit (+675 70549809), and Coordinator Disaster Quentin Talingapua (+675 79925353)
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