Tsunami pics from Midway

A tsunami generated by a strong earthquake off the coast of Japan struck Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge at 11:36 PM on Thursday, March 10th and continued for the following handful of hours. Fortunately, Midway residents obtained about 4 hours of innovative warning and effectively implemented its tsunami emergency prepare. All vital infrastructure and gear were secured and all workers, contractors, and site visitors evacuated to the 3rd floor of the Charlie Hotel. Thankfully, no 1 was injured and no significant damage occurred to the island’s infrastructure. Particles washed onto the airfield which triggered its short-term closure for less than 24 hrs.

The Short-tailed albatross nest was washed above once again, but the chick was discovered unharmed about 35 m away and returned unharmed to its nest area. A minimal of 1,000 adult/subadult and tens of thousands of Laysan Albatross chicks were lost. 1000’s of Bonin petrels have been buried alive. Spit Island totally washed about. Eastern and Sand Island have been 60% and 20% washed more than, respectively. 1000’s of dead fish were discovered in the interior of Eastern. Two live green turtles were rescued from the middle of Eastern. The impacts on Laysan ducks and monk seals are unknown.
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Bonin petrel rescued from getting caught in the sand
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Laysan albatross caught in the particles – 3 were rescued
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Rescued albatross chicks caught in the debris
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Group of albatross chicks on Eastern Island have been spared
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Quick-tailed albatross chick survived the tsunami
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Turtle being rescued on Eastern Island
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Laysan albatross rescued and returned to Eastern Island
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Muddy albatross chick
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Component of the pier on Eastern Island ended up on the gun
All photos – Pete Leary/USFWS