A massive 8.8-magnitude earthquake struck off the Kamchatka Peninsula in far eastern Russia early Wednesday, triggering tsunami alerts across the Pacific—including in Japan, Hawaii, Alaska, and the entire US West Coast.
Tsunami warnings have been issued for Hawaii, while tsunami watches are in place for Alaska, California, Oregon, and Washington.
President Donald Trump confirmed the alerts, warning citizens to take the threat seriously:
“A massive earthquake has occurred in the Pacific Ocean. Tsunami warnings are active. Stay safe and move to higher ground.”
Estimated Tsunami Arrival Times (IST):
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Aleutian Islands, Alaska: Waves already observed
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Kodiak, Alaska: ~9:50 am IST
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Southeast Alaska: Between 10:15 am – 11:25 am IST
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Hawaii: ~11:25 am IST
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Washington & Oregon: Between 12:05 pm – 12:25 pm IST
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Northern California: ~12:20 pm IST
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San Francisco Bay: ~1:10 pm IST
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Southern California: ~1:30 pm IST
Authorities warn that multiple waves may occur over several hours, and strong currents may persist long after the first impact.
The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency said emergency shelters have been activated and urged people to stay off beaches.
“We expect significant damage. Our priority is to save lives,” an official said.
In California, the National Weather Service issued a tsunami advisory for coastal areas, including San Francisco Bay and San Pablo Bay, warning of dangerous wave activity and strong currents.
The Indian consulate in San Francisco also issued an advisory for Indian nationals to:
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Avoid coastal regions
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Follow local emergency alerts
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Prepare for evacuation, if required
Global Impact:
Japan has also issued warnings and is monitoring wave movements. Experts say this is the strongest Pacific quake since the 2011 Japan earthquake and tsunami.
Drone footage and early visuals show flooding in Severo-Kurilsk, Russia, where tsunami waves have already made landfall.
More updates are expected as the situation develops.
