Tsunami Alerts Trigger Evacuations Across the Pacific Following Major Russian Earthquake

Tue Oct 21 2025 12:01:54 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

**Tsunami Alerts Trigger Evacuations Across the Pacific Following Major Russian Earthquake**

Emergency evacuations impact thousands from Russia to the U.S. as major earthquake strikes, prompting tsunami warnings.

A powerful earthquake off Russia has led to widespread tsunami warnings and evacuations across the Pacific, affecting multiple nations.

A significant earthquake, measuring 8.8 on the Richter scale, has struck near Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, triggering an international tsunami alert that has sent thousands rushing to higher ground from Russia to Hawaii and the U.S. West Coast. The earthquake, occurring at 11:25 a.m. local time Wednesday (23:00 GMT Tuesday), ranks among the top ten most powerful earthquakes ever recorded, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

While there were no immediate reports of serious injuries or significant damages, waves triggered by the quake began impacting coastal regions. Initial tsunami waves were observed in places like Crescent City, California, where heights reached roughly 3.6 feet, and somewhat higher in Hawaii, where waves of up to 4 feet were reported. The tsunami warnings were, however, later downgraded in various regions, including Hawaii.

Hawaii's Governor Josh Green warned locals of the dangers associated with tsunamis but later stated that so far no major impact had been recorded. People in Hawaii who evacuated were given the go-ahead to return home but were urged to be cautious due to possible flooding conditions.

Meanwhile, in the Russian origin area, tsunami waves as high as 16 feet affected Severo-Kurilsk, but local authorities confirmed that no serious injuries were reported. In Kamchatka, officials briefly declared a state of emergency, especially across the northern Kuril Islands, as monitor systems recorded significant aftershocks.

Japanese authorities evacuated nearly two million residents as waves approached coastal regions, particularly around Iwate prefecture. Japan's Prime Minister, Shigeru Ishiba, reported no major damage, but the Fukushima nuclear plant went into full emergency mode, evacuating its workforce. Despite the concerns stemming from historical events, the plant reported no abnormalities.

Tsunami remnants were noted as far away as Peru, where officials have issued warnings and are monitoring developments closely. Other coastal countries, such as Costa Rica, Chile, and Australia, have been advised of potential small tsunami activity, while alerts have been lifted in regions like China's Zhejiang province and the Philippines.

As the tsunami warning situation evolves, residents along affected coastlines are urged to stay informed and prepared as authorities continue to monitor conditions closely.