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A powerful 8.8-magnitude earthquake off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula triggered tsunami warnings across the Pacific, from Hawaii and the U.S. West Coast to parts of South America and French Polynesia. Although the tsunami alerts caused widespread evacuations and beach closures, the threat has now eased, and most advisories have been lifted.
In Hawaii, tsunami waves began arriving Tuesday evening, but evacuation orders were lifted just hours later with no major flooding or damage reported. The U.S. West Coast, including California, Oregon, Washington, and Alaska, also issued advisories. While some regions saw waves up to 3 feet and drastic tidal surges, widespread destruction was avoided.
Coastal cities like Los Angeles and Crescent City reopened beaches, although strong and unpredictable currents remain a concern. In California’s Port San Luis, tides rose over 2.5 feet in just minutes, while Kahului Harbor in Maui experienced a 9-foot swing within 18 minutes.
South American countries including Chile, Colombia, and Ecuador issued coastal evacuations. Meanwhile, French Polynesia’s Marquesas Islands saw smaller waves than expected.
The earthquake, among the strongest in recorded history, was followed by the eruption of Klyuchevskoy Volcano in Russia. Authorities report no major casualties, though infrastructure damage has been noted, including a kindergarten building in Kamchatka.
U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said FEMA and the Coast Guard were on standby, though the situation remained under control. Officials warn that tsunami-related currents may persist for days and urge the public to remain cautious in coastal areas.
