An earthquake with the magnitude of 8.9 occurred near Coast of Honshu, JAPAN at 01:46PM (Philippine Time) 11 March 2011. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center sea level monitoring stations confirmed the occurrence of a tsunami. At 3:30 PM, 11 March 2011, PHIVOLCS issued a bulletin with Tsunami Alert Level 2 in areas along the coast of the Philippine fronting the Pacific Ocean. The public was advised to be alert for unusual tsunami waves. The Embassy posted a news rapport with information from the bulletin.
PHIVOLCS followed the changes in sea level throughout that day. They received reports data from the National Mapping Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA), indicating minor sea level changes or the arrival of unusual waves in some areas in the Philippines starting at 6:00 PM up to 10:10 PM with a reported maximum height ranging from 0.20 m to 0.70 m.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) in the Philippines have therefore cancelled the tsunami alert issued 11 March 2011. The NDRRMC advisory of March 2011, 11:30PM, states that the current trend of observed wave heights suggests that the threat of a hazardous tsunami has passed.
The potential effects from the Nuclear Emergency in Japan
In regards to the nuclear emergency in Japan, on Sunday 13 March 2011 the NDRRMC issued a press statement stating that at present, there is no immediate threat to the Philippines from the Fukushima nuclear power plant.
The Philippine authorities are closely monitoring the situation in Fukushima. In the event the Philippines is affected, the existing National Radiological Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan (RADPLAN) that covers nuclear emergencies will be put into action. Advisories will be issued by the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST- PNRI) to update the public.
Norwegians are advised to follow the advice of local authorities and follow international and local media. It is still advised to avoid the beach and trips out to sea. Boat operators should co-ordinate with local port authorities to check if unusual currents have stopped anyone from docking safely.
The Norwegian Radiation Protection Agency who is closely following the Nuclear Emergency in Japan has not ruled out that there are increased levels of radioactive material in other countries in the region. These levels are assumed not to present health risks at this time.
For further information please visit the Norwegian Radiation Protection agency’s website: http://www.nrpa.no/
