Hawaii Gears Up for Tsunami Response Following Massive 8.8 Earthquake Near Russia

Tsunami Warning Issued in Honolulu

Tsunami warning sirens sounded in Honolulu as the emergency department called for the evacuation of some coastal areas following an intense magnitude 8.8 earthquake off Russia’s Kamchatka peninsula.

The department warned, “Take Action! Expect destructive tsunami waves.”

The powerful quake, initially thought to be 8.7, struck on Wednesday, creating a tsunami up to 4 meters tall. It caused damage to buildings and required immediate evacuation warnings across Kamchatka and along most of Japan’s east coast.

The U.S. tsunami warning system alerted of hazardous waves within three hours, and set a watch for Guam and other Micronesian islands.

Waves of 1 to 3 meters could hit parts of Hawaii, Chile, Japan, and the Solomon Islands. In Russia and Ecuador, waves could be more significant, exceeding 3 meters.

Get updates on tsunami warnings, advisories, and watches from the U.S. tsunami warning system. As of 7pm PT, the entire west coast of the U.S. and British Columbia is under a tsunami advisory. Residents are instructed to avoid the water, stay off beaches and waterways, and follow local authorities.

San Francisco’s emergency management issued a warning and is collaborating with safety agencies to determine if coastal evacuations are necessary.

In Huntington Beach, California, lifeguards and police were advising people to leave the beaches, which will remain closed until the tsunami warning is lifted. No mandatory evacuations were issued, as per the fire department’s statement.