Tsunami Hits Hawaii After Massive Earthquake Off Russia, Evacuations Ordered

Honolulu, Hawaii — A powerful undersea earthquake off the coast of Russia has triggered tsunami waves that struck Hawaii early Wednesday morning, prompting urgent evacuations and tsunami warnings across the Pacific region.

The magnitude 8.7 earthquake struck near the Kuril Islands, located between the Kamchatka Peninsula and northern Japan, at approximately 2:45 AM GMT. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed the quake occurred at a depth of around 29 kilometers beneath the ocean floor, a relatively shallow depth that increased its potential to generate large tsunamis.

Tsunami Reaches Hawaii

Roughly six hours after the initial quake, the first tsunami waves reached the Hawaiian Islands. Coastal areas on Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island experienced waves estimated between 2 to 4 feet, with some surges reaching higher levels in vulnerable bays and harbors.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) issued a tsunami warning for Hawaii shortly after the quake and sounded emergency sirens across the islands. Thousands of residents and tourists were evacuated to higher ground during the early hours of the morning.

Hawaii Governor Kai Kealoha declared a state of emergency, urging calm but caution. “Our emergency teams are actively assessing the situation. While the wave heights were not catastrophic, the risk of secondary surges and unpredictable currents remains high,” he said at a press conference.

No fatalities or major injuries have been reported in Hawaii as of now, but coastal damage assessments are ongoing. Several harbors remain closed, and authorities are warning residents to stay away from beaches and low-lying areas until further notice.

Pacific-Wide Alerts

The tsunami threat extended far beyond Hawaii. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued tsunami advisories along its eastern coast, and evacuations were carried out in parts of Hokkaido and northern Honshu. Meanwhile, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, and parts of the U.S. West Coast, including Alaska and California, were placed under tsunami watches or advisories.

In Russia, local authorities on the Kamchatka Peninsula quickly ordered coastal evacuations. The quake, felt strongly in nearby towns, reportedly caused some structural damage, though full assessments are still underway. No immediate casualties were confirmed.

Regional Preparedness and Response

Emergency services across the Pacific Rim moved swiftly into action. The Pacific Disaster Center activated coordination protocols, and communication between affected nations remained strong throughout the unfolding crisis.

Meteorologists and seismologists have noted that the Pacific "Ring of Fire," where the tectonic plates converge, remains highly active in recent months. Today’s quake is among the most powerful recorded in the region since 2011’s devastating Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

What Comes Next?

Authorities are urging vigilance in the coming days as aftershocks are expected and localized sea disturbances could persist. Tsunami scientists warn that the effects of such quakes may sometimes unfold in waves over many hours.

Travel to and from Hawaii and other affected regions may face delays due to ongoing safety checks at ports and airports. Travelers are advised to check with local authorities and airlines before proceeding.

This developing story underscores the need for ongoing preparedness in the Pacific basin, where the threat of tsunamis remains ever-present.

Source:

BBC/CNN