U.S. FEMA monitors Hawaii, West Coast for tsunami

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) said on Friday it is monitoring the effects of the earthquake and subsequent tsunami that struck Japan.

FEMA is coordinating with local officials on the U.S. West Coast and in Hawaii on a response, if needed, according to a release.

"Our immediate priority is the safety of the people and communities in the affected areas. We remind everyone who lives in the region to monitor their local news for instructions from their state and local officials and if told to evacuate - evacuate," said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate.

(Reporting by Jeffrey Kerr; Editing by Marguerita Choy)