Tsunami waves have begun pounding French Polynesia’s shores following a powerful undersea earthquake in the North Pacific, prompting urgent evacuation efforts and heightened alert levels across its islands nation.
At first, waves measuring up to 1.5 meters (5 feet) were first noticed hitting the Marquesas Islands early Wednesday morning local time, before authorities issued warnings in other regions including Society Islands, Tuamotus and Gambier archipelagos where thousands of residents have been advised to move inland or toward higher ground as soon as possible.
French Polynesia’s Directorate of Civil Protection (DSP) confirmed that low-lying coastal areas were experiencing “unusual sea level changes,” and warned of potential stronger surges in the hours to come. Schools closed, ports suspended operations, and emergency sirens sounded throughout urban and rural communities alike.
DSP spokesperson Maire Tehani recommended to those near the coast to remain away from waterways. While waves may appear small initially, their force can suddenly increase quickly. Therefore, their threat should not be ignored.
On Tuesday afternoon, a 7.6-magnitude earthquake off Russia’s eastern coast struck near the Kuril-Kamchatka Trench and precipitated a tsunami wave that quickly reached Japan, Hawaii, Chile and French Polynesia. As soon as this alarm went out by Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC), alerts were immediately sent out across many Pacific nations including Japanese territory of French Polynesia and others such as Taiwan.
Initial reports from the Marquesas Islands indicate some coastal flooding and minor structural damage; no injuries or fatalities have been reported as of press time. Emergency teams have been dispatched locally to assess the impact and coordinate aid to affected communities.
Residents were seen fleeing in panic as tsunami warnings were issued overnight, prompting people to quickly pack up and evacuate before hearing sirens warn them to evacuate the island of Nuku Hiva. Teacher Aito Mana reported hearing warning sirens before quickly packing his things quickly before waiting with family on top of a hill for further instructions – all while remaining calm but fearful for their future safety.
The French High Commission in Tahiti issued an emergency broadcast urging both citizens and tourists to follow evacuation instructions and remain away from beaches, rivers, harbors, and any areas declared unsafe by authorities until an evacuation order has been given by authorities. Emergency shelters across multiple islands were activated as well for those needing shelter from being evacuated.
France’s Interior Ministry in Paris stated it was closely monitoring the situation and would offer its support should any assistance be needed.
Tsunami scientists note that French Polynesia’s expansive geographie–comprising over 100 islands spread out across five archipelagos–makes coordinated response efforts challenging yet essential. Given their vulnerability to tsunamis, numerous early warning systems were put into action today in response to French Polynesia’s tsunami threat.
“Tsunami energy travels swiftly across the Pacific,” noted Dr. Claire Brousse of the French National Center for Ocean Studies. Even modest waves can become hazardous when funneled into bays or narrow coastlines.
As of Wednesday afternoon, wave activity remained unabated, and PTWC officials warned of multiple surges coming over time. They advised keeping an eye on sea levels to monitor them closely and take necessary precautions.
Residents of French Polynesia find the event an evocative reminder of life in the Pacific Ring of Fire–and of its inherent need for swift, coordinated responses in response to nature’s unpredictability.