A powerful 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck off Russia’s far eastern coast, triggering tsunami alerts across the Pacific Ocean and prompting widespread evacuations in multiple countries. The quake is tied as the sixth strongest ever recorded globally, according to seismological data.
Tsunami Waves Hit Multiple Nations
Tsunami waves have already struck Japan and Russia, where nearly 2 million residents have been evacuated from vulnerable coastal regions. The waves then moved across the Pacific, reaching US shores, including Hawaii, California, Oregon, Washington, and Alaska.
In Japan, a wave of 1.3 meters (4.3 feet) was recorded at Kuji Port in Iwate Prefecture, with authorities warning that wave activity may continue to intensify.
US Response: Tsunami Warnings and Coastal Impact
In the United States, tsunami warnings and advisories remain in effect. The highest wave so far has been recorded at Arena Cove, California, at 1.6 feet, followed by 1.5 feet in Crescent City and 1.4 feet in Monterey. The northern California coast remains under an official tsunami warning, while advisories are active along the entire West Coast, including the San Francisco Bay Area.
Hawaii on High Alert: Mass Evacuations and Naval Support
In Hawaii, officials are urging immediate evacuations from coastal areas.
“It will not hit one beach—it will wrap around the islands,” said Hawaii Governor Josh Green, warning residents to seek higher ground immediately.
The US Navy has secured ships at ports and opened emergency evacuation routes on Oahu’s Waianae Coast, while Oprah Winfrey has also opened a private road on Maui to aid in evacuation efforts. A 5-foot wave was reported in Kahului, intensifying fears of further coastal impact.
As of 10:39 p.m. HST, the National Weather Service has officially downgraded the tsunami warning for Hawaii to a tsunami advisory, signaling that the immediate threat has lessened.
According to Chip McCreery, Director of the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center,
“The worst part of it is over,” he told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser on Tuesday night.
With the downgrade in Hawaii, the only remaining tsunami warning in the United States is for Northern California, where officials are still monitoring coastal activity.
Authorities continue to advise caution near coastal areas, as strong currents and wave fluctuations may still occur despite the reduced threat level.
Urgent Safety Warning
Authorities are warning that dangerous tsunami currents and additional waves could continue for hours after the initial impact.
The National Weather Service and Pacific Tsunami Warning Center are urging the public to stay away from beaches, harbors, and piers until all alerts are officially lifted.
“Take action now,” said Honolulu’s mayor, emphasizing the urgency of evacuations and the unpredictable nature of tsunamisurges.
