Following the immense 8.8-magnitude undersea earthquake near Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula, the Consulate General of India in San Francisco issued a critical advisory to Indian nationals residing in or visiting the United States' West Coast and Hawaii. The advisory aims to safeguard Indian citizens from the potential tsunami threat that may result from the powerful seismic activity in the Pacific region. In light of warnings issued by U.S. authorities and the possible danger of tsunami waves affecting various coastal areas, the consulate has called for heightened awareness and immediate preparedness among its nationals.
Specifically, Indian nationals in California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, and Hawaii are strongly advised to remain alert to updates from official U.S. agencies, such as the National Weather Service and U.S. Tsunami Warning Centers. Citizens are being urged to follow local emergency notifications without delay. The consulate recommends moving promptly to higher ground in the event of a tsunami warning and avoiding all beaches, coastal paths, or shorelines until the threat has completely subsided.
Additionally, the Indian consulate emphasizes the importance of preparing for emergencies by keeping essential supplies ready and ensuring mobile devices remain fully charged. These precautions are vital to receiving timely updates and maintaining communication during emergencies. The consulate has also made available an emergency helpline number, +1-415-483-6629, and an email address, enquiry.sf@mea.gov.in, to assist Indians who may need help or guidance in navigating the unfolding situation.
The earthquake, one of the most powerful recorded in recent times, generated tsunami waves as high as four meters (13 feet), prompting mass evacuations across Russia’s Far East and widespread tsunami advisories along Japan’s eastern coast. The Indian consulate’s alert aligns with official announcements from the U.S. National Weather Service, which has confirmed tsunami advisories in place for California and Oregon. These warnings reinforce the importance of adhering to official instructions and remaining prepared for rapidly changing conditions.
This advisory is a reminder of the vulnerability of coastal regions to natural disasters, particularly those triggered by undersea seismic activity. As such, Indian citizens living abroad are encouraged to stay connected with their local consulates and to follow protocols laid out by local emergency services and government agencies.
