US & Japanese airlines cancel flights as 8.8 magnitude earthquake triggers pacific-wide tsunami alert, travelers urged to stay updated

Time of India

4 days ago

A major 8.8-magnitude earthquake near Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula triggered tsunami warnings across the northern Pacific, forcing several airlines to cancel or divert flights, particularly in Hawaii and Japan. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) confirmed waves of up to 4 feet in some areas, and while no major injuries were reported, authorities across countries took preventive steps. The tsunami alert disrupted air travel, caused evacuations in coastal areas, and prompted governments to issue urgent safety notices.
US airlines halt flights to Hawaii
Following the tsunami warning, US carriers including Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines suspended or rerouted flights scheduled to land in Hawaii. The airports affected include Maui (OGG), Oahu (HNL), Kona (KOA), and Lihue (LIH).
Alaska Airlines confirmed it is 'monitoring a tsunami warning for the Hawaiian Islands and portions of the state of Alaska and assessing our flight operations.' Flights en route to Hawaii were either diverted or returned to the mainland. A travel waiver was issued to allow passengers flexibility in adjusting their bookings. The airline added, 'We are monitoring airport conditions with government agencies and could see operational impacts.'
Japan records Tsunami waves, cancels services
Japan's Meteorological Agency recorded a 40-centimetre tsunami in Tokachi on Hokkaido's southern shore. Cities along Japan's Pacific coast were on high alert, with expected waves as high as 3 metres. Transport services in Japan were also disrupted. Sendai Airport closed its runway around 10:15 am local time and advised travelers to check with their respective airlines for updates. Ferry routes between Hokkaido and Aomori, as well as services from Tokyo to nearby islands, were temporarily suspended.
Japanese nuclear facilities reported no issues. Tokyo Electric Power Company confirmed that 4,000 workers at the Fukushima Daiichi plant had moved to higher ground and were monitoring operations remotely.
Tsunami impact and emergency response across pacific
The quake struck at 8:25 am Japan time, about 119 km east-southeast of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky at a depth of 20.7 km. It caused structural damage in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky and disruptions in mobile networks and power. The strongest aftershock recorded reached 6.9 magnitude. Despite some people seeking medical help, no serious injuries were confirmed.
In Hawaii, tsunami sirens were heard in Honolulu on Tuesday evening, with the first waves expected around 7 pm local time. The PTWC stressed: 'Urgent action should be taken to protect lives and property.'
The sheer intensity and energy exploding from this quake. 😳8.7 mag earthquake in #Russia. Tsunami warnings and watches. #earthquake #sismo #tsunami #breaking pic.twitter.com/OZtCEvKqdN
The Oregon Department of Emergency Management issued an advisory for coastal regions, forecasting waves between 1 to 2 feet and warning of dangerous currents. Similar advisories were released in California, Washington, and Canada's British Columbia.
New Zealand, located about 6,000 miles from the quake's epicentre, issued its own warning for 'strong and unusual currents,' urging people to evacuate beaches and estuaries immediately.
Warnings and safety protocols continue
In Russia, the town of Severo-Kurilsk in the Kuril Islands experienced the first tsunami wave. Governor Valery Limarenko stated that residents had been safely moved to higher ground. The Geophysical Survey of the Russian Academy of Sciences noted this as Kamchatka's strongest quake since 1952. Authorities warned of potential aftershocks over the next month and advised residents to avoid coastal areas.
URGENT: People in Maui, Hawaii are trying to escape the tsunami and are BEGGING Oprah to open the private road on her property.She's reportedly still refusing.In a crisis, blocking an escape route is inhumane.#Tsunami #Maui #Oprah #LetThemOut pic.twitter.com/JeqeVwDcyS
The Philippines also issued alerts, warning of waves under one meter. Teresito Bacolcol of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology noted that while the waves may appear small, they could still pose danger to swimmers and coastal residents over a prolonged period.
What causes a Tsunami?
Tsunamis are triggered by sudden vertical shifts in the seafloor, often due to shallow earthquakes or large underwater landslides. As these waves move from deep to shallow waters, they rise in height and can cause flooding and damage along coastlines. This event marks one of the most powerful earthquakes globally since the 2011 Japan quake.
As of now, there are no reports of fatalities, but authorities across affected regions remain on alert as they assess damage and continue to monitor sea conditions. Airlines and emergency agencies are coordinating responses, and passengers have been advised to stay updated with official announcements.