A powerful undersea earthquake off Russia’s far eastern coast — one of the strongest ever recorded — triggered tsunami waves that have since reached multiple Pacific nations, including parts of the United States.
Screenshot from CNN Instagram of waves in Hawaii
The 8.8 magnitude quake, tied as the sixth most powerful in recorded history, set off tsunami alerts across the Pacific, prompting evacuations and emergency responses from Russia to the US West Coast, according to CNN reports.
US West Coast and Hawaii impacted
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Tsunami waves were reported in Hawaii, California, Oregon, Washington, and Alaska, with coastal regions bracing for impacts of varying intensity.
In Hawaii, the initial tsunami warning was downgraded to an advisory as of 10:39 p.m. HST on Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre’s director, Chip McCreery, told local media, “The worst part of it is over.”
However, a tsunami warning remains in effect for parts of Northern California, where waves could still pose risks to low-lying areas.
Evacuations across the Pacific
The first tsunami waves struck Russia and Japan, leading to the evacuation of nearly 2 million people. Authorities moved quickly to clear coastal areas and redirect resources in anticipation of dangerous wave activity.
Calls for urgent action in Hawaii
In Hawaii, state and local leaders moved fast. Honolulu’s mayor urged residents to move to higher ground, and Governor Josh Green warned that the tsunami could impact multiple parts of the islands, stating:
“It will not hit one beach — it will wrap around the islands.”
Tsunami Alerts Explained: Advisory vs Watch vs Warning
Image: NOAA via CNN
After a massive 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck off Russia’s eastern coast on Wednesday, tsunami advisories, watches, and warnings were issued across the Pacific. But what do these alerts actually mean, and how should you respond?
Here’s a breakdown of each, according to the US National Weather Service (NWS):
Tsunami Watch
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What it means: A distant tsunami might be possible.
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What to do: Stay informed and be ready to act. A watch provides early notice that a tsunami could develop, depending on the location and strength of the seismic event.
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Advice from the NWS: “Stay tuned for information and be prepared to take action if necessary.”
Tsunami Advisory
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What it means: A tsunami is either occurring or likely but not expected to cause widespread inundation. Still, strong currents and wave activity can pose serious dangers.
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What to do: Stay out of the water and off beaches, harbours, and waterways. Even without major flooding, powerful surges can cause damage or injury.
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Note: An advisory is not “better” than a watch—it means there’s already a more immediate and localised threat.
Tsunami Warning
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What it means: A tsunami with the potential to cause life-threatening flooding and powerful currents is happening or imminent.
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What to do: Move immediately to higher ground or further inland. Take the warning seriously and avoid all coastal areas.
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