Tsunami Debris From Japan Expected in Alaska

December 20, 2011

Debris from the tsunami in Japan nine months ago has not been detected on Alaska shores but that may be because harsh weather is keeping people from beachcombing.

The Anchorage Daily News reports debris has been reported in Washington and British Columbia and Alaskans should be seeing it soon.

Dave Gaudet of the Marine Conservation Alliance says the Alaska Panhandle has been hit hard by storms but the area around Craig on Prince of Wales Island could be the first place where debris from the March 11 tsunami lands.

Experts warn that debris should be approached cautiously because the earthquake and tsunami damaged nuclear facilities and water contained in items that float across the Pacific Ocean may be radioactive.