Tsunami Reaches U.S. Shores After Russia Quake: Waves Hit Hawaii, California

 

Following the massive 8.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula on Wednesday (IST), tsunami waves have now reached parts of the United States. After impacting Japan and Russia, the waves have begun hitting American coastlines, including Hawaii and the western coastal states of Washington, Oregon, and California.

In Hawaii, tsunami sirens have been activated, prompting evacuations from low-lying coastal areas to higher ground. The sea remains unusually turbulent, with authorities urging residents and tourists to stay alert.

According to U.S. media reports, the highest tsunami wave recorded so far was 1.6 feet at Arena Cove, California. Crescent City (1.5 feet) and Monterey (1.4 feet) also experienced notable wave surges. So far, the tsunami's impact appears to be mostly concentrated along Northern California's coastline.

Despite this, precautionary alerts have been extended to other regions, including San Francisco Bay, the Oregon coast, and coastal Washington. Local governments have issued guidelines that apply across all vulnerable areas.

Environmental experts caution that after these initial waves, additional surges may occur over the next several hours. Water currents may remain stronger than usual and, in some locations, could become hazardous. The U.S. National Weather Service has advised people to stay away from the shoreline until the threat has completely passed.

While tsunami waves have been observed, no major damage or casualties have been reported in the U.S. so far. The U.S. emergency services have confirmed that the most dangerous phase of the tsunami appears to have passed. People who had evacuated may begin returning cautiously, but continued vigilance is advised for all coastal communities.

The tsunami warnings remain in effect not only for the U.S. but also for countries such as China, Peru, and Ecuador, in the wake of the powerful Russian earthquake.