Hawaii is on high alert today after a powerful 8.8-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, triggering a tsunami that has already reached parts of the Hawaiian Islands.
According to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, tsunami waves measuring up to 5.5 feet were recorded in places like Midway Atoll and Haleiwa on Oahu. The waves struck just hours after the quake rocked the Pacific Ocean early Wednesday morning local time.
Sirens Wail as Evacuations Begin
Emergency sirens blared across Hawaii in the early hours as state and local officials ordered evacuations from coastal areas. Residents were urged to head for higher ground immediately and stay away from beaches, harbors, and waterfronts. Many hotels moved guests to upper floors, and roads leading inland became packed as people fled low-lying zones.
Governor Josh Green issued a state of emergency and warned residents not to return to coastal areas until the all-clear is given. “This is a very serious situation. Even if the first waves seem small, dangerous surges can follow,” he said in a press conference.
Tsunami Also Hits Alaska, Japan, California
The tsunami wasn’t limited to Hawaii. Coastal areas of Alaska, California, and Japan also saw elevated sea levels and issued their own warnings. In Alaska, emergency management teams reported minor flooding in some harbor areas. In Japan, people in coastal towns rushed to higher ground, recalling the devastating 2011 tsunami.
No Major Damage Yet, But Threat Not Over
So far, no serious injuries or widespread damage have been reported in Hawaii, but authorities stress that the danger is not over. “Tsunami events often come in waves. The first wave is not always the largest,” said the National Weather Service.
Flights to and from Hawaii have been delayed or diverted, and schools and businesses near the shoreline have been closed for the day. The Coast Guard is patrolling the waters to monitor further surges and assist in emergency response if needed.
What Comes Next
Residents are advised to stay tuned to official emergency alerts via radio, TV, and mobile notifications. Authorities are monitoring the sea levels closely, and the tsunami warning will remain in effect until further notice.
This is one of the strongest earthquakes to strike the Pacific region in recent years, and its ripple effects continue to be felt far beyond the Russian coastline. The next 24 hours will be critical in determining the full impact of this natural disaster.
Stay safe. Stay informed. And if you’re near the coast — stay away from the water.