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.