20 Million Tons of Debris From Japan Headed to Hawaii

Up to 20 million tons of debris from the earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan on March 11 is closing in and could reach Hawaii in less than two years, Mail Online reports.

Crew members of Russia’s STS Pallada spotted the debris, which includes a 20 feet long fishing boat, as it floats across the Pacific.

Researchers at the University of Hawaii have been tracking the debris. The latest sighting confirmed their path estimates. However, they had to revised travel estimates, saying the debris will now reach the Midway Islands by winter and Hawaii in less than two years.

A spokesman for the International Pacific Research Center at the University of Hawaii said:

“The Russian ship… found an array of unmistakable tsunami debris on its homeward voyage from Honolulu to Vladivostok.”

Researchers have been tracking the debris because it can threaten small ships and coastlines.

Is there any cause for alarm? Should we panic?