A powerful 8.8 magnitude earthquake recently struck the far eastern region of Russia
Millions of people living in the United States are now facing the possibility of a large and dangerous tsunami after a powerful 8.8 magnitude earthquake hit just off the coast of Russia.
According to BBC News, the first tsunami waves sparked by the earthquake have already reached Hawaii. A wave measuring around 4 feet (1.2 meters) was recorded off the coast of Oahu.
As the threat became more clear, residents across coastal parts of Hawaii were told to evacuate to safer areas further inland, following the impact of the earthquake in Russia’s far eastern territory.
How powerful is the earthquake and where did it strike?
The sixth most powerful earthquake ever recorded struck Russia overnight. In one tragic event, a kindergarten building in the city of Petropavlovsk collapsed as a result of the massive 8.8 magnitude quake.
Several people sustained injuries during the disaster, and tsunami waves also hit the coastal town of Severo-Kurilsk, adding to the destruction.
Oleg Melnikov, a regional health minister, shared an update with the TASS state news agency, saying: "Unfortunately, there are some people injured during the seismic event. Some were hurt while running outside, and one patient jumped out of a window. A woman was also injured inside the new airport terminal."
"All patients are currently in satisfactory condition, and no serious injuries have been reported so far."
What is the tsunami warning and who is affected in the US?
The area along the California-Oregon border has now been placed under an official tsunami warning. According to the US National Weather Service, this means that people in the area should take immediate action.
At the same time, advisories continue to be updated for communities along the West Coast of the United States. Officials are keeping a close eye on the developing threat as new information comes in.
Former President Donald Trump issued a public warning on Truth Social, urging millions of Americans to take the tsunami risk seriously and stay alert.
He wrote: "Due to a massive earthquake that occurred in the Pacific Ocean, a Tsunami Warning is in effect for those living in Hawaii. A Tsunami Watch is in effect for Alaska and the Pacific Coast of the United States. Japan is also in the way. Please visit tsunami.gov/ for the latest information. STAY STRONG AND STAY SAFE!"
Where will the tsunami hit? Full list of areas at risk revealed
The earthquake’s impact isn’t limited to the United States. Over 1.9 million people in Japan have been ordered to evacuate as well, according to local authorities.
Japan’s weather agency confirmed that a tsunami wave about 4.3 feet high has already reached the northern Iwate prefecture, raising alarms across the country.
Tsunami warnings and alerts of various levels have also been issued in multiple other locations, including parts of China, the Philippines, Indonesia, Guam, Peru, and the Galapagos Islands.
According to the Financial Express, the following islands are currently at risk:
Guam
Palau
Solomon Islands
Marshall Islands
Midway Atoll
Wake Island
Johnston Atoll
Northern Mariana Islands
Yap
Pohnpei
Korsae
Chuuk
Aleutian Islands
How to stay safe during a tsunami
The National Weather Service urges anyone in tsunami-prone areas who receives an official warning to stay away from the coast until the alert has been officially lifted.
If an evacuation is announced, it’s important to move toward higher ground or head inland as quickly and safely as you can.
Officials also recommend setting up multiple alert systems in advance so you can receive tsunami warnings — including text alerts or local emergency notification services — before the waves hit.