SAIPAN — The tsunami advisory for Guam and the CNMI has been canceled, emergency officials said Monday, though a beach hazard warning of dangerous rip currents remains in effect across the Marianas until the afternoon.
The CNMI Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, in coordination with the National Weather Service Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, said the advisory was canceled as of 11:44 a.m. ChST Monday, June 8. Based on updated data and evaluation, there is no tsunami threat to Guam, Rota, Tinian or Saipan from the event, officials said.
The advisory had been issued after a preliminary magnitude 7.8 earthquake off Mindanao, Philippines at 9:38 a.m. ChST. HSEM said observed wave activity from regional monitoring stations showed only minimal wave heights, supporting the cancellation.
Officials said that while no tsunami impacts are expected, minor sea level fluctuations may still occur, with the earliest estimated time around 12:43 p.m. ChST and continuing for several hours.
A beach hazard remains in effect until 2 p.m. ChST. HSEM said dangerous rip currents and sea level fluctuations are expected along beaches, harbors and coastal waters at all reefs of the Marianas, and warned that rip currents can sweep even strong swimmers away from shore into deeper water.
No evacuation or protective actions are required, officials said. Residents and visitors were advised to exercise normal caution if near or in the ocean and to keep following official guidance from local government and emergency management agencies. The JIC and HSEM said they will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates if necessary.
