The first tsunami waves have reached Hawaii, with the highest recorded so far measuring nearly 1.8 meters (6 feet). This comes after a powerful 8.8-magnitude earthquake struck off Russia’s far eastern Kamchatka Peninsula, triggering tsunami warnings across the Pacific.
In Honolulu, warning sirens sounded on Wednesday as emergency officials urged evacuations in some coastal areas. “Take Action! Destructive tsunami waves expected,” the Honolulu Department of Emergency Management posted on X. The U.S. Coast Guard advised all boats to leave port before the waves arrived.
The first waves hit Hawaii shortly after 8 p.m., with one gauge in Hanalei recording a 1-meter (3-foot) rise above normal sea level. Another gauge on Oahu’s North Shore measured waves 1.2 meters (4 feet) higher than usual. Later readings showed waves reaching up to 1.7 meters (5.7 feet).
Tsunami damage depends not just on wave height but also on speed, water volume, and shoreline shape. Hawaii Governor Josh Green said all flights in and out of Maui were canceled, though no major waves had yet caused significant damage.
The earthquake struck Russia earlier Wednesday, sending waves up to 4 meters (13 feet) along its east coast, damaging buildings and prompting evacuations in Russia and parts of Japan. The U.S. tsunami warning system issued alerts for “hazardous tsunami waves,” with watches also in place for Guam and other Micronesian islands.
Earlier, Governor Green reported that Midway Atoll, between Japan and Hawaii, had recorded tsunami waves nearly 2 meters from peak to trough. He said Black Hawk helicopters and high-water vehicles were on standby for potential rescues but urged people to avoid danger.
In Honolulu, tsunami warnings coincided with rush hour, causing traffic jams as people moved to higher ground. Schools canceled after-school activities, and long lines formed at gas stations.
In California, emergency officials monitored the situation, with Huntington Beach lifeguards and police clearing beaches. Crescent City activated tsunami sirens to warn residents.
The U.S. tsunami warning system’s website provided updates, with the entire U.S. West Coast and British Columbia under a “tsunami advisory,” advising people to stay away from water and follow local instructions.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
