HAWAI: A massive 8.8-magnitude earthquake struck near Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula on Wednesday, prompting tsunami warnings across the Pacific, including Japan, Hawaii, and parts of the U.S. West Coast.

The earthquake occurred about 85 miles off the Kamchatka coast at a depth of nearly 12 miles. Evacuations are underway in coastal areas.

Waves as high as 3–4 meters were reported in Kamchatka, while Japan’s northern Hokkaido region recorded smaller waves of about 30 cm. A 6-foot wave hit an island between Japan and Hawaii, and Hawaii’s Oahu Island experienced a 4-foot wave at Haleiwa.

Japan’s Meteorological Agency warned that waves up to 3 meters could strike Hokkaido by 10:00 AM local time, and reach other eastern and southern regions later in the day. Authorities cautioned that tsunamis could strike repeatedly and urged residents to avoid beaches and rivers.

Tsunami warnings have also been issued in China, the Philippines, Indonesia, Guam, Peru, and the Galapagos Islands. The Northern Mariana Islands—including Guam, Rota, Tinian, and Saipan—are also under alert.

In Hawaii, Governor Josh Green urged the public to follow evacuation orders, while the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center warned that waves could continue for hours and advised urgent protective actions.

Russia’s Kamchatka Governor reported no casualties but confirmed damage to a kindergarten building. Aftershocks are expected to follow.

Seismologists note that the quake’s shallow depth—less than 20 kilometers—makes it more likely to generate tsunamis, even at a distance. Japan lies within the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” making it especially vulnerable to such events.