Every tsunami alert as millions run for safety in US, Russia and Japan after 8.8 earthquake
One of the strongest earthquakes ever recorded - a magnitude 8.8 - has struck off the eastern coast of Russia, triggering tsunami warnings and evacuations across the Pacific region.
The powerful quake struck at 8:25am local time (Japan), approximately 74 miles southeast of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky on the Kamchatka Peninsula, reports the Mirror.
Four-metre-high tsunami waves slammed into Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, causing significant flooding and infrastructure damage. Videos circulating online show water rushing through streets, destroying industrial structures and sweeping away debris. A state of emergency has been declared in Kamchatka, with officials confirming several injuries and property damage, including a nursery.
Kamchatka Governor Vladimir Solodov described it as 'the most serious earthquake in decades.' Russian scientists say it's the most powerful quake to strike the region since 1952. The US Geological Survey upgraded the quake's magnitude from an initial 8.0 to 8.8, placing it among the six most powerful earthquakes on record. Multiple strong aftershocks, some reaching 6.9 magnitude, have been reported.
Japan: Evacuations cross the coast
In Japan, nearly two million people in more than 220 municipalities have been advised to evacuate from coastal areas. The Japan Meteorological Agency reported tsunamis reaching up to two feet at locations including Hamanaka in Hokkaido and Kuji in Iwate. A 20-centimetre wave was also detected in Tokyo Bay.
A woman in her 60s suffered minor injuries while trying to evacuate in Hokkaido. Officials warn additional tsunami waves could continue for at least a day. 'Do not return to the coast until the all-clear is given,' said Shiji Kiyomoto, a senior JMA official.
Hawaii braces for potential impact
Hawaii Governor Josh Green said data from Midway Atoll showed tsunami waves of up to six feet (1.8 meters). He warned that even waves of this size could move vehicles, fences, or dislodge trees, posing deadly risks to anyone near the coast. Black Hawk helicopters and high-water rescue vehicles have been placed on standby.
'Don't underestimate the force of these waves,' Governor Green said. 'They can kill.'
California: Sirens sound in Crescent City
Crescent City in Northern California activated tsunami sirens, urging residents to stay away from the water. A tsunami is expected to reach the area around 11:55pm local time. The city, which lost 11 people to a tsunami in 1964, remains under high alert.
'This will NOT be a single wave,' the National Weather Service posted on social media. 'Do NOT go to the coast to take photos.'
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Other Regions on Alert
Vancouver Island, Canada: A tsunami under 30cm is forecast, with authorities urging residents to steer clear of marinas, beaches, and low-lying coastal areas.
China: A tsunami alert was issued for Shanghai and Zhejiang provinces, with waves forecast between 0.3 to 1 metre. Typhoon CoMay is also expected to make landfall in the area this week.
Mexico: Mexico's Navy expects waves up to 3.3 feet to strike the Pacific coast, from Ensenada to Chiapas, by early Wednesday morning. Beaches remain off-limits.
New Zealand: Officials warned of 'strong and unusual currents' and unpredictable surges around the coastline, though no evacuations have been ordered.
Pacific Islands: Island nations including Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, and the Solomon Islands urged people to stay away from beaches and prepare for possible surges. Many of these low-lying nations remain particularly vulnerable.
Authorities across the Pacific Rim are continuing to monitor the situation, urging caution as tsunami waves and aftershocks remain a threat.
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