Topline
A powerful magnitude 8.8 earthquake struck Russia’s Far Eastern Kamchatka Peninsula on Wednesday, triggering Tsunami warnings across the coastal regions of Japan, the state of Hawaii and northern California as authorities warned that waves is some areas could reach as high as 10 feet.
A tsunami warning is displayed on a television in Yokohama, near Tokyo.
Key Facts
The Japanese Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami warning that covered the entirety of the country’s eastern seaboard.
In response to the tsunami alert, Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency issued an evacuation advisory that covered more than 1.9 million people across 21 prefectures across the country.
Tsunami waves measuring nearly 2 feet (60 centimeters) were recorded in the coastal town of Kuji in eastern Japan, while waves measuring 1.6 feet (50 cm) were reported in the port city of Ishinomaki, Japanese public broadcaster NHK reported.
Hawaii Governor Josh Green announced he has signed an emergency proclamation and said tsunami waves could hit the island state “as early as 7:10 p.m.” local time.
Green said people living in coastal areas should “move inland and to higher ground immediately…Do not wait.”
The National Weather Service also issued a tsunami warning in the coastal area along the Oregon-California border including Cape Mendocino, California.
Tsunami watches and advisories are in effect all across the U.S. West Coast, but the National Weather Service issued a warning, saying: “Tsunami is a series of wave carrying a large extra mass of water to our coast. This will NOT be a single wave. Do NOT try to go to the coast to take photos.”
Russian state media reported flooding caused in tsunami waves in parts of Kuril Islands in the country’s far east region—which is also a disputed territory claimed by Japan.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the 8.8 magnitude earthquake’s epicenter was located just off the coast of the Kamchatka Peninsula in eastern Russia.
What Do We Know About The Situation In Hawaii?
In a press conference, the Hawaii Governor said the first tsunami wave that passed through Midway Atoll, which is located around 1,300 miles northwest of Honolulu, measured 6 feet “from peak to trough.” Green said a tsunami of that size would be like a “three-foot wave riding on top of the ocean,” although the waves hitting Hawaii could be bigger or smaller. A wave of that size could cause people to drown, move cars and throw fences around, he added. Green then warned residents: “You need to expect that there will be flooding on the islands and it will be imminent after the wave hits,” as he urged them to heed evacuation orders immediately. According to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center’s forecast, the tsunami waves could reach as high as 10 feet (3 meters) along the coast of Northwestern Hawaii. Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency said the “Initial effects of tsunami waves are expected to occur on the Kauai coast, with effects to Hawai’i Island beginning 20-30 minutes later. These massive waves can wrap around the island shore, so impacts may occur at any point along the coast.”
Crucial Quote
In a post on his Truth Social platform, President Donald Trump wrote: “Due to a massive earthquake that occurred in the Pacific Ocean, a Tsunami Warning is in effect for those living in Hawaii…STAY STRONG AND STAY SAFE!”
This is a developing story.