A massive 8.8-magnitude undersea earthquake near Russia triggered a powerful trans-Pacific tsunami that has already impacted Japan, Hawaii, and now California, sparking widespread evacuations, travel chaos, and growing fears that even more destructive waves may still be on the way.

A powerful 8.8-magnitude earthquake beneath the Pacific Ocean triggered a sweeping tsunami alert late Tuesday, sending shockwaves across nations and eventually delivering destructive waves to the shores of California early Wednesday morning.

The rare seismic event, which first struck near Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, has put vast regions—from Japan and Hawaii to Alaska and the U.S. mainland—on edge, bracing for potential disaster.

The earthquake struck at approximately 1:24 p.m. HST (Hawaiian Standard Time), around 85 miles east of Kamchatsky in Russia’s Far East, at a depth of 11 miles.

Within minutes, tsunami warning systems lit up across the Pacific Rim. Red alerts were issued for Russia and Japan, while orange advisories, yellow watches, and purple threats extended across Hawaii, Alaska, and the western coast of the U.S., including California.

The first tsunami waves slammed into Russia’s eastern coastline shortly after the quake, causing structural damage and prompting evacuations.

In Kamchatka, several injuries were reported, including a hospitalized patient who leapt from a window in panic during the tremors.

Oleg Melnikov, head of the regional health department, confirmed all injuries were “satisfactory” in condition, but the chaos was widespread. Entire buildings showed visible structural cracks, and emergency services rushed to assess damage and maintain order.

Japan’s northern coastlines were next. While the nation is seasoned in tsunami preparedness, the strength and speed of the approaching waves startled residents.

Sirens blared across Hokkaido and Aomori as residents rushed to evacuation centers. Though major damage has not yet been confirmed, coastal residents reported rapid water recession—a classic precursor to an incoming tsunami.

By 7:17 p.m. HST, the threat reached Hawaii. Tsunami waves as high as 5.7 feet were recorded in Kahului, Maui, while other locations like Hilo and Haleiwa experienced waves between 4 and 5 feet.

In Honolulu, beaches emptied as emergency sirens urged residents and tourists to flee low-lying areas. Officials advised hotel guests to evacuate to the fourth floor or higher if unable to leave the inundation zones.

Guests at the ‘Alohilani Resort’ crowded balconies overlooking Waikiki Beach, waiting anxiously for the waves to arrive—some snapping photos, others simply staring in silence.

Governor Josh Green of Hawaii addressed the public, stating, “We expect to be about two to three hours at least until we can call all clear. So far though, at the moment, so good.” He added that the full effect on the Big Island was still uncertain.

Air travel across the Pacific was also affected. Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines suspended all flights to the islands, turning some aircraft back to the mainland mid-air.

Later updates confirmed that Hawaiian Airlines resumed operations, though passengers were advised to double-check flight statuses.

The mainland U.S. felt the impact hours later. At around 12:48 a.m. PT, the first tsunami waves reached Northern California’s coastline near Monterey.

Minutes later, surges began striking Crescent City and Humboldt Bay, causing the National Weather Service (NWS) Eureka to issue urgent warnings.

“Waves will continue to build in through the night and will become more dangerous as we approach high tide. Stay away from beaches!” NWS warned.

Crescent City, a small coastal town with under 6,000 residents, became a focal point. City officials declared the area at “highest risk of inundation,” expecting 3–5 foot waves.

Tsunami sirens echoed through the night as residents evacuated to designated shelters, including a Walmart, Home Depot, and the high school parking lot.

“We are working closely with state officials on next steps,” said a city spokesperson on Facebook. “Please stay away from beaches and waterways.”

In the Bay Area, waves were recorded before 1:00 a.m., though damage was minimal. Despite the modest height of the waves—generally under 5 feet—the speed and power of tsunami currents remained dangerous, prompting repeated warnings from emergency services.

Alaska remained under a tsunami watch, with special concern for the Aleutian Islands and southern coastal towns such as Kodiak. Though waves had not yet caused serious damage there, authorities continued monitoring for aftershocks or secondary tsunami triggers.

President Donald Trump addressed the nation on his social platform, Truth Social, urging citizens in affected zones to “STAY STRONG AND STAY SAFE!” and to follow updates from official sources.

As dawn breaks across impacted regions, experts warn that the event is not yet over. Tsunami wave action often comes in cycles, with more powerful surges following initial ones.

Scientists at NOAA and the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center are still tracking oceanic movements and seismic activity in real time, analyzing whether further earthquakes may follow.

“This is not a one-and-done scenario,” said Dr. Ellen Hayworth, a geophysicist specializing in seismic wave modeling. “The Pacific Rim is highly active, and this event is testing the coordination and readiness of international tsunami response systems like never before.”

From Russia’s icy coasts to California’s scenic beaches, this natural disaster has spanned thousands of miles, reminding the world of the vast, unpredictable power that lies beneath the ocean.

With authorities urging vigilance, the global community watches closely, holding its breath to see if the worst has passed—or if more waves lie ahead.