A powerful 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck off the eastern coast of Russia Tuesday evening, triggering widespread tsunami warnings and advisories across the Pacific Ocean basin — including Hawaii, southern Alaska, the U.S. West Coast, and British Columbia.
The quake occurred just east of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, one of Russia’s easternmost cities, and ranks among the six strongest earthquakes ever recorded, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
Tsunami Threat: Who Is at Risk
HAWAII
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Tsunami Warning in Effect
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Waves of 3–9 feet possible along parts of the islands
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First waves expected around 7:17 p.m. HST
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Sirens blared across Maui as evacuations were underway
“A tsunami has been generated that could cause damage along coastlines of all islands in the state of Hawaii,” the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) warned.
ALASKA
U.S. WEST COAST
Projected Wave Heights:
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Crescent City, CA: up to 5.7 feet
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Point San Luis, CA: 1.7 to 3.2 feet
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Brookings, OR: up to 2 feet
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Moclips, WA: up to 1.4 feet
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Most other areas: under 1 foot
BRITISH COLUMBIA
JAPAN
“Tsunami waves may arrive imminently—evacuate immediately to higher ground,” warned the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo.
Earthquake Details
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Magnitude: 8.8
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Location: East of Petropavlovsk, Russia
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Depth: Currently under review
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Status: Tsunami confirmed and propagating
Stay Alert
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Tsunami waves may arrive in pulses and last several hours
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Even small waves can be dangerous near harbors and beaches
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Coastal residents in warning or advisory areas should move to higher ground
DEVELOPING
The situation remains fluid, and officials are urging coastal communities across the Pacific to remain vigilant overnight as waves are expected to make landfall in stages.
Stay tuned to local authorities, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, and official U.S. and Canadian weather agencies for the most accurate and up-to-date emergency information.
