A powerful magnitude 8.8 earthquake occurred off the coast of Russia on Tuesday, triggering tsunami warnings in Hawaii and Alaska, as well as alerts for other regions along the West Coast.
The earthquake was recorded approximately 85 miles from the eastern shore of Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, with a depth of nearly 12 miles, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The agency revised the earthquake’s magnitude from initial estimates of 8.0 and 8.7 to 8.8.
As reported by USGS, aftershocks measuring 6.3 and 6.9 were also detected in the vicinity.
A tsunami warning has been issued for Alaska’s Aleutian Islands and Hawaii. Meanwhile, California, Oregon, and Washington are under a tsunami advisory, with the situation being assessed
The advisory for the California coast has been elevated from a Tsunami Watch to a Tsunami Advisory, and if a wave is generated, it is anticipated to reach California by 11:50 p.m. and the Los Angeles area around 1 a.m. local time. In precautionary measures, the city of Huntington Beach is closing its pier and beaches.
Additionally, the U.S. territories of Guam and American Samoa are also under a tsunami advisory, as stated by USGS.
The initial tsunami wave is expected to arrive in Hawaii shortly after 7:15 p.m. local time, with potentially destructive waves anticipated, according to Oahu Emergency Management.
Sources informed ABC News that the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency has activated its Emergency Operations Center. Officials have also proactively engaged their Joint Information Center and are collaborating with Hawaii Gov. Josh Green’s team.
Sirens are currently sounding across all Hawaiian islands as part of the statewide warning system, occurring ten minutes after the hour for the next three hours to alert residents.
Officials are advising individuals to evacuate coastal regions. Residents in Honolulu have been urged to leave the primary evacuation zone or seek refuge on at least the fourth floor of a building.
All coastal areas of the island are at risk, as tsunami waves can wrap around islands, according to the National Weather Service.
“The threat may persist for several hours following the initial wave as additional waves make their appearance. The heights of tsunamis are unpredictable, and the first wave may not necessarily be the tallest,” stated the NWS in an alert.
Furthermore, an advisory has been issued for the Pacific Coast regions of Japan, extending from Hokkaido to Kyushu.
Japan’s meteorological agency has cautioned that a tsunami approximately 1 meter (3 feet) in height is anticipated to reach Hokkaido in the north around 10:00 a.m. local time, with waves expected to arrive later in the day along certain areas of eastern Honshu and Kyushu in the south.
Residents are advised to maintain a safe distance from the coastline and river mouths and to refrain from approaching the water for observation.
A tsunami warning indicates that a tsunami capable of causing extensive, hazardous flooding and strong currents is anticipated. Conversely, a tsunami watch signifies that a distant earthquake has occurred, and a tsunami may be possible.
This is an evolving situation. Please return for further updates.
