A powerful 8.8 magnitude earthquake off Russia’s coast has put millions of Americans on high alert as tsunami warnings spread across the Pacific.
The massive quake, ranking as the sixth-strongest on record, struck Russia’s far east region overnight, causing immediate damage and triggering waves that have already reached Hawaii. BBC News reports that the first tsunami waves hit the islands, with a 4-foot wave recorded off Oahu.
Russian Town Takes Direct Hit
The earthquake’s impact was felt immediately in Russia, where a kindergarten collapsed in Petropavlovsk. Several people sustained injuries during the seismic event, while tsunami waves battered the coastal town of Severo-Kurilsk.
Oleg Melnikov, a regional health minister, told the TASS state news agency: “Unfortunately, there are some people injured during the seismic event. Some were hurt while running outside, and one patient jumped out of a window. A woman was also injured inside the new airport terminal.
“All patients are currently in satisfactory condition, and no serious injuries have been reported so far.”
US West Coast Under Warning
The California and Oregon border now sits under an official tsunami warning, which the US National Weather Service defines as “take action” level threat. Officials continue monitoring conditions along the entire West Coast as advisories remain active.
President Donald Trump addressed the crisis on Truth Social, writing: “Due to a massive earthquake that occurred in the Pacific Ocean, a Tsunami Warning is in effect for those living in Hawaii. A Tsunami Watch is in effect for Alaska and the Pacific Coast of the United States. Japan is also in the way. Please visit tsunami.gov/ for the latest information. STAY STRONG AND STAY SAFE!”
Hawaiian residents have already begun evacuating coastal areas as authorities warned of incoming waves.
Japan Scrambles 1.9 Million People
The threat extends far beyond US borders. Japan has ordered evacuations for more than 1.9 million people after the country’s weather agency confirmed a 4.3-foot tsunami wave reached the northern Iwate prefecture.
Tsunami alerts have been issued across multiple regions including parts of China, the Philippines, Indonesia, Guam, Peru and the Galapagos Islands.
As per the Financial Express, the full list of islands under threat includes:
- Guam
- Palau
- Solomon Islands
- Marshall Islands
- Midway Atoll
- Wake Island
- Johnston Atoll
- Northern Mariana Islands
- Yap
- Pohnpei
- Korsae
- Chuuk
- Aleutian Islands
How to Stay Alive During a Tsunami
The National Weather Service advises anyone in tsunami hazard zones who receives an official warning to stay away from coastal areas until authorities lift the alert.
If evacuation orders are issued, residents should head to high ground or move inland as quickly and safely as possible. Officials also recommend setting up multiple warning systems, including text alerts from local government agencies, before potential tsunami events occur.