An
earthquake hit the coast of Japan late last night/early Friday morning.
News sources indicate the earthquake measured between 8.8 and 8.9 in
magnitude. This sent tsunami waves rippling across the Pacific Ocean.
Initially tsunami warnings were issued for many countries throughout SE Asia,
Oceania, and the Americas. Soon after, those warnings were lifted in SE
Asia and Oceania.
Tsunami warnings are still in effect across North, Central, and South America.
Currently there are World Race and Real Life teams in Nicaragua and Peru.
Waves were expected to hit the coast of Nicaragua and Peru between 6-8
p.m. EST on Friday. Based on waves that hit Hawaii early this morning, those waves
reaching Central and South America are expected to be no more than 2 meters in
height at their tallest.
Many of our teams in Nicaragua are already located inland. Still they
have been advised to work with ministry hosts to monitor local advisories and
respond accordingly if asked to evacuate. At current they are in no
imminent danger.
There are a few teams located near the coast of Peru. Officials in Peru
have not yet advised evacuation and do not expect waves currently traveling
across the Pacific to present a serious threat. Still, teams in Peru have
also been advised to work with ministry hosts to monitor local advisories and
respond accordingly if asked to evacuate. We have also asked them to
communicate with ministry hosts to ensure that an evacuation plan is ready
should local advisories change quickly.
The Logistics team has been in communication with teams across Asia, Australia,
and the Americas to confirm that all parties are safe and to ensure that lines
of communication will be open throughout the day.
