Tsunami waves slam California coast after 8.8-magnitude quake: Rapid tides and damage reported across coastal towns; details here

Tsunami waves generated by one of the most powerful earthquakes on record measuring 8.8 in magnitude have started arriving on American shores. Triggered off Russia’s eastern coast, the quake sent surges into California, Hawaii, Canada, and other Pacific regions. While the overall impact is still being assessed, officials across several countries issued alerts and evacuation instructions.


The National Tsunami Warning Center confirmed that waves had reached Arena Cove first in California, with a height of 1.6 feet (0.48 meters). In Monterey, the incoming wave was recorded at 1.4 feet (0.42 meters). The Los Angeles weather service warned about a “rapid and damaging surge” at Port San Luis, where the tide shifted sharply from low to high within minutes. Residents were advised to stay away from the area.

Meanwhile, San Francisco also reported wave activity, according to the National Weather Service.


In Hawaii, tsunami alerts led to a mix of responses. Some residents and tourists opted for vertical evacuation, moving to higher floors of tall buildings instead of fleeing the area entirely. At Alohilani Resort, people stood on balconies watching the sea as the alerts continued.

Eventually, the Hawaii tsunami warning was downgraded to an advisory level, and officials told residents they could return home cautiously.


The 8.8 magnitude earthquake occurred 78 miles (126 km) from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky in Russia’s Far East, with a depth of 18 km, according to the US Geological Survey. Though there were no reports of injuries or fatalities, photos from the region showed damaged buildings, submerged ports, and ongoing evacuations.

Elsewhere, Japan reported nearly 2 million people asked to evacuate. Initial waves there were relatively small, but the Japan Meteorological Agency said they could rise to 3 meters (9.8 feet).

In Canada, wave activity remained below 1 foot, peaking at 0.9 feet in Winter Harbour, British Columbia.

Residents along Colombia’s Chocó and Nariño coasts were advised to leave beaches and move to higher ground, per the country's National Unit for Disaster Risk Management.


Tsunami warnings or advisories were issued for parts of the western U.S., including Washington, Oregon, and Alaska, as well as Canada’s British Columbia. Other affected regions include Indonesia, Peru, Ecuador, and more.

Officials continue to monitor the situation as waves ripple across the Pacific. No deaths have been reported, but coastal areas remain on alert.

To stay updated on the stories that are going viral follow Indiatimes Trending.