Waves hit Hawaii, but no tsunami expected there

Mar 11, 2011, 14:00 GMT

Washington - The first waves produced by a massive earthquake in Japan reached Hawaii on Friday, but the United States National Weather Service (NOAA) said in its latest update that 'no tsunami is expected' at the islands.

Satellite images published on NOAA's website showed large waves reaching the south flank of Kilauea Volcano.

'No tsunami is expected. Repeat. No tsunami is expected,' NOAA said in a statement.

The agency had earlier issued an alert warning of possible tsunamis in Hawaii and along North America's Pacific coast.

Tsunami warnings were issued across the Pacific to the Americas after the magnitude-8.9 earthquake struck off north-eastern Japan.

NOAA advised 'persons in tsunami warning coastal areas' to 'move inland to higher ground,' but stressed that only 'national and local government agencies have the authority to make decisions' and 'any actions to be taken in response.'

The US warnings affect coastal areas from Alaska to California.

'Tsunami warnings mean that a tsunami with significant widespread inundation is imminent or expected ... Widespread dangerous coastal flooding accompanied by powerful currents is possible and may continue for several hours after the initial wave arrival,' NOAA said.

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