A powerful 8.8-magnitude earthquake off Russia’s coast has triggered widespread tsunami warnings and advisories across the Pacific, extending from Japan’s northern shores to Alaska and Hawaii.

Initial waves, reaching up to 60 centimeters (2 feet), have already been detected along Japan’s Pacific coast and in Russia’s Kuril Islands, prompting nearly 2 million residents in Japan to be under evacuation advisories.

#UPDATE One of the strongest earthquakes ever recorded struck Russia’s sparsely populated Far East early Wednesday, causing tsunamis up to four metres (12 feet) across the Pacific and sparking evacuations from Hawaii to Japanhttps://t.co/FCtbslXgzA pic.twitter.com/OUbmSYtWpu

— AFP News Agency (@AFP) July 30, 2025

Authorities across the vast ocean, including in Hawaii, where waves up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) from peak to trough were measured at Midway Atoll, are urging extreme caution, with Governor Josh Green warning that such waves could dislodge cars, trees, and pose a severe drowning risk.

Small island nations like Fiji and Samoa have also issued urgent pleas for residents to stay away from coastlines and prepare for potential surges, highlighting the vulnerability of low-lying areas. As rescue assets are readied and officials reiterate calls for public safety, the entire Pacific Rim remains on high alert, bracing for potential further impacts of the powerful tsunami.

Source: Agencies (edited by Al-Manar English Website)