Gov. Gregoire�s statement on Japan earthquake, tsunami advisory for Washington coast

For Immediate Release: March 11, 2011

OLYMPIA � Gov. Chris Gregoire today issued the following statement on the devastating earthquake in Japan and the tsunami advisory in effect for the Washington coast:

�My heart goes out to the nation of Japan this morning as it grapples with the loss and destruction caused by the devastating 8.9 magnitude earthquake and the resulting tsunami.

�The earthquake in Japan has triggered a tsunami advisory for Washington�s coastline. As a result, I remain in close contact with our state�s Emergency Management Department, which activated the Washington Emergency Operations Center last night after the advisory was issued. Higher waves along Washington�s shore are expected throughout the morning. I urge Washingtonians to follow the advice of our public safety officials to stay away from our coastline and head to higher ground.�