Tsunami Warnings in Russia, Japan, Hawaii, Alaska Live Updates: Tsunami warnings and advisories have been issued across the Pacific, from British Columbia to Japan and Hawaii following the 8.8 magnitude earthquake that hit near eastern coast of Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula on Tuesday. Evacuations are currently taking place in Japan, Hawaii, and parts of the US West Coast. Waves as high as 3 to 4 metres were reported in Kamchatka, and smaller waves of about 30 cm have reached Hokkaido in northern Japan. In Hawaii, Governor Josh Green has urged people to follow evacuation orders and stay calm, while US President Donald Trump has asked Americans to stay alert.
Al Jazeera reports that several people in Kamchatka have been injured, and strong aftershocks are still expected. Tsunami warnings have also been issued in parts of China, Philippines, Indonesia, Guam, Peru, and the Galapagos Islands near Ecuador.
Epicentre of earthquake in Russia
As per the US Geological Survey, the earthquake occurred about 85 miles off the Kamchatka Peninsula coast and nearly 12 miles deep. The area is a remote part in Russia which is not populated very much.
Tsunami alerts issued in Japan
Tsunami alerts have also been issued in Japan‘s coastal areas from Hokkaido to Kyushu. Japan’s weather agency said waves up to 3 meters high could hit three areas, including Hokkaido by 10:00 am local time and reach other parts of eastern and southern Japan later in the day. Japan Meteorological Agency has said that the tsunamis “will strike repeatedly.” People are being told to stay away from beaches and rivers, and not to go near the coast to watch the waves.
Seismologist Shinichi Sakai from the University of Tokyo told NHK that even a faraway earthquake can cause a tsunami in Japan if it’s shallow. This earthquake falls into that category. Shallow earthquakes are usually those that happen at a depth of 0 to 70 kilometers. This one was less than 20 kilometers deep. The earthquake happened about 160 miles (250 km) from Hokkaido, which is Japan’s northernmost main island. Japan’s NHK TV said the shaking there was very mild.
Japan is one of the countries most likely to have earthquakes because it lies in the Pacific “Ring of Fire” where many quakes and volcanoes happen.
Tsunami warnings were also issued for the Northern Mariana Islands, including Guam, Rota, Tinian, and Saipan, according to the US Geological Survey. Russia’s regional governor said there have been no reports of injuries so far after the 8.7 magnitude earthquake. However, a kindergarten building was damaged, reported Reuters. Kamchatka Governor Vladimir Solodov, after the quake said this was serious and the strongest one that the region has felt in decades.
Tsunami Alerts LIVE: Follow Live Coverage on Russia Earthquake, Tsunami Warnings in Russia, Japan, Hawaii, Alaska, California, Los Angeles
Chile has upgraded its warning to the highest level for most of its lengthy Pacific coast and said it was evacuating hundreds of people. The red alert covers most of its 6,400-kilometer (4,000-mile) Pacific coastline --- from Arica and Parinacota near its northern border to Magallanes in the far south. The Education Ministry also canceled classes along much of the coast.
Tsunami Warning Live: Last tsunami warning in US downgraded
Various locations along the US coast have gradually downgraded their their tsunami warnings on Wednesday --- with a part of Northern California becoming last to step back from the highest level of alerts.
The area --- along with several other parts of California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska and Hawaii --- is now under tsunami advisories.
Tsunami Warning Live: Colombia issues red alert in Chocó region
Colombian authorities have issued a red alert for the northeastern Chocó region as its Pacific coast remains braced for potential tsunami waves.
Tsunami Warning Live: Volcano in Russia erupts after masive quake
The Klyuchevskoy volcano on Russia's Kamchatka peninsula began erupting after Wednesday's powerful earthquake in the Pacific, a geological monitoring service said.
In a statement posted on Telegram, the Russian Academy of Sciences' United Geophysical Service said: "A descent of burning hot lava is observed on the western slope. Powerful glow above the volcano, explosions."
Located around 450 km (280 miles) north of the regional capital, Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Klyuchevskoy is one of the highest volcanoes in the world.
It has erupted several times in recent years.
Tsunami Warning Live: Japan lifts all tsunami warning
Japanese authorities have now lifted all tsunami warnings. According to the country’s Meteorological Agency, a tsunami advisory remains in effect from Hokkaido to Okinawa
Tsunami Warning Live: Russia scraps alert but says some risk of...
Russian authorities in the Kamchatka peninsula and the Kuril islands have cancelled their tsunami warning but say some risk of waves remain.
The regional branch of Russia’s Emergency Ministry on Kamchatka warned that scientists expect aftershocks at magnitudes of up to 7.5. It said that more tsunamis are possible in the Avacha Bay, where the regional capital of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky is located.
According to local media and official updates, the tsunami warning has also been lifted for sakhalin and Severo-Kurilsk.
Tsunami Warning Live: Alert cancelled in Russia's Severo-Kurilsk
According to the state-owned TASS news agency, tsunami alert was just cancelled in the Severo-Kurilsk area of Russia.
Tsunami Warning Live: Waves rise as sirens blare in Japan - Footage from Chiba
The US National Weather Service Guam, said its tsunami advisory had been cancelled for Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). An update shared via Facebook said it was awaiting the 'all clear' from the two territories in western Pacific Ocean. Locations across Micronesia have already declared 'all clear'.
Authorities however warned that strong currents may still occur in these regions and urged locals to keep themselves updated with emergency management alerts.
Tsunami Warning Live: Kremlin says no casualties in 8.8 magnitude quake
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said there had been no casualties from the massive earthquake off Kamchatka. He credited solid building construction and the smooth working of alert systems.
Tsunami Warning Live: Colombia orders evacuations
Authorities in Colombia have issued a tsunami alert for several areas along the Pacific coast --- including Nariño and Chocó. The National Unit for Disaster Risk Management said beach closures and other safety measures were also being implemented. A tsunami warning was also issued for the departments of Cauca and Valle Del Cauca.
“As a preventative measure, it is recommended to evacuate the beaches and low-lying areas on the coasts of Nariño and Chocó. Head to higher ground away from the coast," reports quoted the disaster agency as saying.
Tsunami Warning Live: '4 metre waves imminent' in French Polynesia
Authorities in French Polynesia have upgraded their tsunami warning --- predicting imminent 4-metre waves in the Marquesas Islands of Ua Huka, Nuku Hiva, and Hiva Oa.
Tsunami Warning Live: Advisory cancelled in the Philippines
The Philippines has cancelled tsunami advisories that were put in place for several coastal communities earlier today.
Tsunami Warning Live: Japan issues fresh update, flags heatwave concerns
"A tsunami warning remains in effect regarding the earthquake centered near Kamchatka Peninsula. The government is working as one to assess the situation, provide evacuation guidance, and take other relevant actions. Residents in areas under evacuation orders are advised to continue taking shelter in safe locations," the Office of the Japanese Prime Minister wrote on X.
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba also called for "thorough measures" at evacuation centers to prevent heatstroke in light of the extremely hot weather conditions.
Tsunami Warning Live: Travel disruptions continue in Hawaii
Several airlines had paused operations as airports closed across Hawaii on Tuesday. State Governor Josh Green also told the media that approximately 200 people were left stranded at the airport terminal in Maui after all flights were cancelled for the night.
According to a CNN report, Hawaiian Airlines has now resumed operations after airports reopened. Alaska Airlines plans to restart flights on Wednesday morning.
Tsunami Warning Live: French Polynesia sounds alert for Marquesas Islands
According to reports, authorities in French Polynesia have sounded a tsunami warning for the Marquesas Islands. Waves up to 2.2 meters (7.2 feet) may reach the islands of Ua Huka, Nuku Hiva, and Hiva Oa overnight from Tuesday to Wednesday.
Other archipelagos in the area could also be affected by smaller waves. However no evacuation is required in these areas so far.
Tsunami Warning Live: 'Safe to return home' say Oahu authorities
The Honolulu Department of Emergency Management also confirmed via social media that evacuations had been lifted and that it was now safe to return to evacuated areas.
"Tsunami Warning downgraded to Tsunami Advisory. Evacuations canceled for Oahu. Residents may return home. Remain cautious in or near the water. Widespread flooding is NOT expected. Stay away from beaches, shorelines, and out of the ocean," it wrote on X.
According to the US National Weather Service, the tsunami warning for the state of Hawaii has now been downgraded to an advisory. Local media reports, quoting officials, said the "worst part of it" was now over.
Tsunami Warning Live: Tsunami waves reach Washington, Oregon, and California
Tsunami waves have reached the US West Coast hitting the shores of Washington, Oregon, and California. So far, the highest waves recorded here were at Arena Cove, California: 1.6 feet; Crescent City, California: 1.5 feet; and Monterey, California: 1.4 feet.
A warning is still active for the northern coast of California. Advisories are also in place for the rest of California's coast, including the San Francisco Bay Area, as well as the coasts of Orgeon and Washington. Authorities have said that stronger waves and dangerous currents may continue for hours. The National Weather Service is asking everyone to stay away from beaches and harbours until it's safe.
Tsunami Warning Live: Tsunami warning issued for Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Adminsitration has issued a tsunami wanring for Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. The embassy advised US citizens in these areas to be ready to move to higher ground quickly if they see strange sea activity or feel strong or long-lasting shaking. People have been told to stay away from beaches, rivers, and coastal areas until it's safe again. The embassy also reminded everyone to keep their emergency supplies ready, including water, food, medicine and important papers.
Tsunami Warning Live: People were shaken awake in Russia's Petropavlovsk
According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), people were shaken awake in Petropavlovsk, a coastal city in Russia’s far eastern Kamchatka Peninsula, by one of the strongest earthquakes ever recorded. Russian officials confirmed that a tsunami hit the port town of Severo-Kurilsk, flooding the area. Local media reported that waves as high as three to four metres reached the Elizovsky district of Kamchatka.
Tsunami Warning Live: One-foot-high waves seen in Guam
About one-foot-high waves were seen in Guam, a US island in the Western Pacific, according to the local civil defense office, reported CNN. Officials said that waves of the same size may continue to come and go for a while but should slowly get smaller. The authorities have asked people to stay out of the water for safety.
Tsunami Warning Live: Tsunami reaches California coast
The tsunami has reached the California Coast and is showing up in the Arena Cove, Tide Gauge and its making headway down the coast, Reuters reports.
Tsunami Warning Live: Moment when earthquake hits Russia captured - See video
People have been sharing videos of the moment earthquake of magnitude 8.8 hit near the coast of Kamchatka, Russia. See video here:
Tsunami warnings were issued across the Pacific, including Hawaii, Japan, and the U.S. West Coast
Videos showing the shaking from the M8.7 earthquake that hit off the coast of Kamchatka, Russia #earthquake #tsunami #russia #japan #hawaii #alaska pic.twitter.com/L3IyH5j63E
Tsunami Warning Live: Japan braces for impact
Japan’s weather agency says tsunami waves have reached parts of the country’s coast. Waves have been spotted in areas like Fukushima, Miyagi, and Iwate prefectures. The agency says some waves could get as high as 3 metres (about 9 feet). So far, the biggest wave was 1.3 metres (around 4 feet) at Kuji Port in Iwate.
Thousands of people have been asked to evacuate to stay safe. Japan’s public broadcaster NHK says there have been no major reports of damage so far.
Tsunami Warning Live: Waves reach over 3 metres hit Russian town of Severo-Kurilsk
Tsunami waves hit the Russian town of Severo-Kurilsk on the Pacific coast, with some waves reaching over 3 metres (about 10 feet) and the biggest one rising up to 5 metres (around 16 feet), according to Russia's Ria Novosti news agency. The agency said that after a powerful 8.8-magnitude earthquake earlier today near Russia’s far east coast, four tsunami waves flooded the town’s port and a local fish factory. A state of emergency has now been declared in the area.
Tsunami Warning Live: Hawaii governor says "all okay so far", but urges people to stay on guard
Hawaii Governor Josh Green has said that so far, the waves haven’t caused serious damage, and that’s a big relief. He also said that the waves haven’t moved beyond Hawaii’s Big Island yet. It will take at least two to three more hours before they can say the danger is over. The governor warned people not to relax yet and said they need to wait until the waves become smaller and less frequent. There have been no reports of power cuts, and there are no plans to turn off the electricity. While Hawaii’s airports haven’t been hit by waves, all flights to and from Maui have been cancelled for the night. Around 200 people are taking shelter at the airport terminal, reported CNN.
Tsunami Warning Live updates: People at Alohilani hotel seen capturing waves from hotel balcony
People taking vacations at the Alohilani Resort can be seen capturing and watching the waves while looking towards the Waikiki Beach amid tsunami alerts in Honolulu, Hawaii, US. (Image: Reuters)
Tsunami Warning Live updates: Pacific Tsunami Warning Center shares update
Sharing an update, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center has said that the waves are now "imapcting Hawaii". The Center further added that the waves may continue to hit for hours, and that the authorities and people need to take "urgent action" in order to protect their lives and property.
Tsunami Warning Live updates: Japan braces for major impact
Japan is the closest country to the epicenter of the earthquake that hit Russia. So, it is expected to face the strongest impact from the tsunami waves. Back in 1952, a powerful earthquake in Kamchatka had triggered tsunami waves that reached Japan and led to damage. This time, the most serious alerts have been issued for Japan, especially along the coastlines of Hokkaido in the north and the Pacific side of Honshu, the main island. People living near the coast have been asked to leave the area, avoid rivers and harbours, and move to higher ground or the upper floors of strong buildings.