A powerful 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Russia Tuesday evening, generating tsunami waves that reached Hawaii and prompted widespread evacuations across the Pacific region.
The earthquake hit approximately 84 miles east-southeast of Kamchatka, Russia at around 7:24 p.m. EST, marking the sixth strongest earthquake ever recorded by the U.S. Geological Survey.
Hawaiian residents faced immediate danger as the first tsunami waves struck at 8:20 p.m. local time.
Water levels exceeded four feet in Haleiwa on Oahu’s north shore, reaching five feet within minutes and causing flooding in coastal areas.
The entire Hawaiian island chain implemented emergency evacuation procedures as water began receding around 7:40 p.m. local time.
Oahu Emergency Management issued urgent warnings to residents: “Tsunami waves are currently impacting Hawaii. Take action NOW!”
Governor Josh Green signed an emergency proclamation for the state and warned the public during a news conference.
“We pray that we won’t lose any loved ones,” Green stated, advising residents to “not go out until we give you the all clear.”
Traffic congestion created dangerous conditions as residents rushed to higher ground.
Photos revealed bumper-to-bumper traffic on Honolulu highways while locals crowded supermarkets to purchase water and essential supplies.
Military forces mobilized to assist evacuation efforts.
The U.S. Army and Navy opened Kolekole Pass and sections of Schofield Barracks on Oahu to facilitate evacuations, while the National Guard deployed Blackhawk helicopters for potential rescue operations.
Green issued a stark warning about rescue capabilities, stating “it is not likely we will recover you” if residents become swept up in the massive waves.
The tsunami threat extended beyond Hawaii to the continental United States.
California and Oregon’s border regions received tsunami warnings, while advisories remained active for the entire West Coast.
President Donald Trump responded to the crisis, urging Americans to “STAY STRONG AND STAY SAFE” as the natural disaster unfolded across multiple states.
First waves reached California’s coast at Crescent City near the Oregon border shortly after midnight local time.
Washington state experienced tsunami impacts soon afterward, prompting beach closures and safety evacuations.
Southern California authorities implemented precautionary measures, closing beaches while LAPD helicopters broadcast warning sirens.
Officials ordered individuals on boats and at shoreline areas to seek higher ground immediately.
Aviation operations suffered significant disruptions.
All flights in and out of Kahului Airport in Maui faced cancellation, forcing passengers to shelter within the terminal building.
Commercial flights at Hilo International Airport also suspended operations.
The Daily Mail reported that by 3 a.m. EST, Governor Green provided an update indicating there had “not been a wave of consequence, which is a great relief to us.”
He emphasized the need for continued vigilance, stating officials expected to wait “two to three hours at least until we can call ‘all clear.’”
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center downgraded Hawaii’s tsunami warning to an advisory at 10:40 p.m. local time.
Director Chip McCreery told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser that the “worst part of it” had passed, though Northern California remained under tsunami warning.
Media personality Oprah Winfrey contributed to evacuation efforts by opening her private road in Maui.
Her spokesperson told CNN: “As soon as we heard the tsunami warnings, we contacted local law enforcement and FEMA to ensure the road was opened.”
The earthquake caused injuries and structural damage in Russia.
Several people sustained injuries in Petropavlovsk, where a kindergarten collapsed from the seismic activity.
Regional health minister Oleg Melnikov reported to Russia’s TASS state news agency that “all patients are currently in satisfactory condition, and no serious injuries have been reported so far.”
The Kamchatka branch of the Geophysical Service confirmed the earthquake’s power while noting that “due to certain characteristics of the epicenter, the shaking intensity was not as high as one might expect from such a magnitude.”
The post Massive 8.8 Earthquake Off Russia Triggers Tsunami Waves Across Pacific, Forces Mass Evacuations in Hawaii and West Coast as Urgent Evacuations Underway appeared first on Resist the Mainstream.
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Author: Jordyn M.
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