Massive Quake Sparks Tsunami Alerts Across Pacific: Evacuations in Japan, Hawaii, Russia

A powerful 8.8-magnitude earthquake near Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula triggered tsunami alerts across the Pacific. Millions were evacuated in Japan and Russia, with 6-foot waves reaching Hawaii. Multiple countries, including China, Ecuador, and Peru, issued warnings. Authorities urged continued caution as aftershocks and prolonged tsunami threats remain.

A powerful 8.8-magnitude earthquake struck off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula early Wednesday, triggering widespread tsunami warnings across the Pacific, including Japan, Hawaii, Russia, and as far as South America. The tremor, described as the region’s strongest in over 70 years, prompted urgent evacuations, port closures, and heightened coastal monitoring across multiple nations.

In Japan, nearly 1.9 million residents were issued evacuation orders. Authorities recorded a 50-centimetre wave at Ishinomaki port, with expectations of larger waves. Evacuations and public alerts were also issued in Kanagawa, Chiba, and Hokkaido prefectures. Officials warned the tsunami threat could linger for over 24 hours, urging the public to avoid coastal areas.

Hawaii experienced 6-foot waves at Midway Atoll, prompting Governor Josh Green to issue immediate evacuation directives and suspend port operations. Traffic jams developed in Honolulu as sirens blared, and locals fled to higher ground.

In Russia’s northern Kuril Islands, a state of emergency was declared after initial tsunami waves caused flooding and infrastructure damage. The region saw over 30 aftershocks following the main quake, which also led to evacuations of the affected islands.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued alerts for parts of California, Alaska, Mexico, Ecuador, and New Zealand. Waves exceeding three metres were projected in some areas. Ecuador and Peru ordered precautionary beach evacuations, while Shanghai in China evacuated over 280,000 residents amid the dual threat of a cyclone and tsunami.

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Despite the massive reach, there were no immediate reports of casualties. Experts cautioned that tsunami events involve multiple waves, with later surges potentially more destructive. Emergency services across the Pacific Rim remain on high alert as authorities assess the evolving risk.