Widespread damage from tsunami waves after one of the strongest earthquakes ever recorded appears to have been largely avoided. Experts say this event should be used to gauge disaster preparedness for a more serious situation in the future.

Okinawa

A massive 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck off Russia's far eastern coast, prompting tsunami warnings across the Pacific Rim, including Japan, Hawaii, the west coasts of the United States and Canada, and as far as Chile, Colombia, and New Zealand. Despite widespread evacuation orders and high anxiety among residents and tourists, the anticipated destruction did not materialize.

Experts note that the severity of tsunami damage depends on several factors, such as the earthquake's source and local coastal geography. The event has been cited as a reminder for communities, particularly along Canada's west coast, to improve preparedness and public education regarding earthquake and tsunami risks.

Tsunami damage less severe than feared after Russian earthquake

Tsunami sirens in Japan and in Hawaii. Warning of waves that could hit shores after an 8.8 magnitude earthquake rocked Russia's far eastern coast, the sixth largest in recorded history. Doctors and nurses performing surgery at a hospital there, weathering the trembles of the quake. It prompted tsunami alerts stretching around the Pacific Rim in Russia, Japan, Hawaii, the west coast of the U.S. and Canada and extended as far as Chile, Colombia and New Zealand. Evacuation orders had people scrambling to higher ground including some Canadians on holiday. Anxiety level was very high. We had young children with us as well and they were expressing concern. You can imagine when you're hearing reports you know about destruction and potential damage. But the damage some feared never arrived. Experts say a number of factors contribute to how destructive a tsunami can be. It's that combination of both the earthquake source and the local situation which direction is your bay pointing for example and how quickly does the water become deep. Another expert says this should be a lesson for Canada's west coast preparing for the long predicted earthquake known as the big one. What we need to do now is to make sure that some of these smaller communities that maybe don't have the resources of say a Tofino Euclid Victoria to make sure that they have enough education and signage so that people know what to do when the ground shakes intensely. Rattled but relieved as this quake put the preparedness of millions to the test. Jessica Chung, CBC News, Vancouver.

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