Tsunami Reaches U.S. West Coast and Hawaii After Massive 8.8 Earthquake Off Russian Coast
Tsunami waves reached Hawaii, California, and Washington early Wednesday following a powerful 8.8-magnitude earthquake off the coast of Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula. While the quake triggered widespread alerts and precautionary evacuations across the Pacific, the U.S. experienced limited impact and no reported injuries or major damage.
In Hawaii, authorities ordered immediate evacuations late Tuesday night as tsunami warnings were issued. Hilo International Airport was temporarily closed to facilitate emergency response and the safe movement of residents away from coastal zones. Sirens blared hourly, with officials warning of potential waves up to six feet high.
By Wednesday morning, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center downgraded the warning to an advisory, and evacuated residents were permitted to return. Governor Josh Green confirmed that while “significant water” was observed, particularly on Oahu, there were no reports of damage. “It’s a blessing we avoided the worst,” he said, while urging the public to remain alert until an official all-clear was declared.
Video from Honolulu showed residents watching the shoreline as smaller-than-expected waves rolled in, some cheering as the worst appeared to pass. Still, officials warned against complacency, noting that follow-up waves can be more powerful and unpredictable.
Along the U.S. West Coast, waves under four feet reached parts of California and Washington. Minor surges were recorded in Monterey and San Francisco shortly after midnight, prompting officials to issue advisories and close harbors and west-facing beaches. A tsunami warning remained active early Wednesday for a section of Northern California coastline near the Oregon border.
Dr. Ariel Cohen of the National Weather Service in Los Angeles cautioned that even modest wave heights could result in dangerous water surges. “We are seeing a lot of movement in the water. The risk isn’t over just because the waves are smaller.”
In Russia, waves over 13 feet struck parts of Kamchatka, causing localized damage and prompting the evacuation of around 3,000 people. The quake’s epicenter was located approximately 85 miles offshore at a depth of 12 miles. Aftershocks of magnitude 6.3 and 6.9 were reported in the region.
Japan also undertook large-scale evacuations, with nearly two million residents relocated across regions from Hokkaido to Okinawa. Although initial tsunami warnings were later downgraded or lifted in much of Japan, officials advised people to stay away from the coast due to ongoing wave risks.
Tsunami alerts and advisories were also issued across the Pacific, including in Guam, Samoa, the Philippines, New Zealand, French Polynesia, and coastal regions of Central and South America such as Mexico, Colombia, and Chile.
Originally measured at magnitude 8.0, the earthquake was later upgraded to 8.8 by the U.S. Geological Survey, making it one of the strongest quakes globally in recent years.
As of Wednesday morning, no fatalities had been reported. Emergency authorities across affected countries continue to monitor wave activity and stress the importance of caution until all tsunami advisories are fully lifted.
