A powerful 8.8 magnitude earthquake off Russia’s eastern coast has set off tsunami warnings and evacuation orders in multiple countries, including Russia, Japan, and the US state of Hawaii.

Tsunami advisories were also issued for parts of the Philippines, Indonesia, and New Zealand, urging people to stay away from the shorelines.

Flooding Hits Russian Port Town

At least three tsunami waves swept into Severo-Kurilsk, a small port town of 2,000 in Russia’s Sakhalin region. Photos show floodwaters surging inland. Minor injuries have been reported across Russia’s far east.

Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky International Airport, near the quake’s epicenter, remains operational despite damage to ceiling panels. One person was injured and passengers were briefly evacuated, but flights have resumed as scheduled.

Evacuations in Hawaii and Japan

In Hawaii, tsunami alerts triggered evacuations in coastal areas such as Waikiki Beach in Oahu. Officials warned that the first waves could reach the islands within hours.

“If you’re watching us right now, no doubt you understand that we are under a full tsunami alert,” said an emergency official in Honolulu. “We are a couple of hours away from any impact to Hawaii. Pay attention, listen.”

Meanwhile, Japan reported the arrival of tsunami waves up to 40cm along the coast of Hokkaido, the island closest to Russia. No injuries have been reported, but evacuation orders remain in effect for the Pacific coastline, where waves could reach up to 3 meters.

In a precautionary move, workers at the Fukushima nuclear power plant—damaged during the 2011 tsunami—were evacuated.

Tsunami Impact Across the Pacific

The United States Geological Survey confirmed the quake’s magnitude as 8.8, tying it as the sixth strongest earthquake ever recorded. It prompted a range of alerts:

• Russia: Flooding and minor injuries in the far east; damage to infrastructure.

• Japan: Small tsunami waves and evacuations; no casualties so far.

• Hawaii and Alaska: Under full tsunami warnings.

• US West Coast (California, Oregon, Washington): Under tsunami advisories.

Understanding the Alerts

There’s a crucial difference between tsunami warnings and advisories:

• Tsunami Warning: Indicates possible coastal flooding and strong currents. Residents are urged to evacuate to higher • ground.

• Tsunami Advisory: Alerts the public to potentially dangerous waves or currents; people should stay out of the water and off beaches.

West Coast Prepares for Long Night

Officials on the US West Coast are bracing for a long night as they monitor the tsunami’s approach. While California, Oregon, and Washington are expected to experience strong waves and currents, the event is not currently expected to be catastrophic.

“People should take urgent action to protect life and property,” said an official from Hawaii, where the most severe warning level has been issued.

Tsunamis can unfold over several hours, so the full impact may not be known until the early hours of Wednesday, local time.

No Catastrophic Damage Expected in Americas

Seismologist Dr. Lucy Jones offered a measured outlook, saying that although the tsunami may cause damage to harbors and coastal infrastructure, widespread loss of life in the Americas is not expected.

In Hawaii, waves between 3 and 10 feet are predicted, while Santa Barbara in California may see waves up to 2 feet high. Crescent City in Northern California could see 6-foot waves within its harbor.

“It’s not a wave,” Dr. Jones explained. “That’s how much the sea level rises temporarily.”

She added that Santa Barbara’s predicted wave height is greater than in Washington or parts of Canada because of how the wave pattern is forming in the Pacific.

Dr. Jones also mentioned she had spoken to a camp counselor on Catalina Island, near Los Angeles. Waves are expected to reach the area around 1 a.m. local time.

“They’re not evacuating,” she said, but noted campers might be moved from cabins closest to the water out of caution.