Waves up to 4 meters in height expected in French Polynesia

Waves of more than 2 meters are expected during the night from Tuesday to Wednesday along the coasts of French Polynesia. However, several hours after a powerful earthquake occurred in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Eastern Russia, the High Commission of French Polynesia said.

An ocean wave “Up of 1.10 meters to 2.20 meters” should touch the Marquesas archipelago, and in particular the UA Islands Huka, Nuku Hiva and Hiva Oa. Nevertheless, The impact is planned “From 00 h 57” (12:27 p.m. Similarly, in Paris). For example, continues the High Commissioner “The sirens will sound in the three islands concerned, around 11 pm, two hours before the arrival of the wave”he specifies. The other islands of the Marquesas waves up 4 meters height will be affected by waves of a height between 0.60 meters and 0.80 meters.

The threatened population is currently “Safety in places of retreat predetermined in advance. and is preparing to spend the night in the shelter”explained Xavier Marotel, secretary general of the High Commission, during a press conference broadcast live on social networks. “We played this maneuver. this exercise, a few weeks ago in early June, and we are redoing exactly the same thing”he insisted. “We are on a phenomenon that will take place in the middle of the night. which can last four to six hours. There may be a second, even a third wave, is a phenomenon that is classic. So you have to take shelter over time and not think that after the first wave, it’s over ”he warned.

The other archipelagos of French Polynesia should waves up 4 meters height be affected by waves of less than 30 centimeters, not requiring evacuation or shelter. The High Commission, however, calls for caution, in particular to move away from the shores and rivers.