An 8.8 magnitude earthquake in Russia triggered tsunami warnings across the U.S. West Coast.
The earthquake has been described by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) as the “largest event to occur globally since the 2011 Mw 9.0 Tohoku, Japan earthquake.”
A Tuesday evening advisory further stated that a “tsunami was generated by this earthquake.” The situation posed a “threat to American Samoa of sea level fluctuations and strong ocean currents that could be a hazard along beaches…in harbors…and in coastal waters,” the advisory read.
Some evacuation orders have since been lifted. “HAWAII UPDATE: I spoke to Governor of Hawaii @GovHawaii and the evacuation order has been lifted for coastal inundation zones,” Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said. “Please be careful be careful when returning and watch out for damage. We will continue to monitor in Hawaii, Alaska, and California.”
As of Wednesday morning, tsunami activity was “continuing to build” in California, the National Weather Service Office in Eureka warned.
The Oregon Department of Emergency Management issued a similar warning, warning residents to stay away from beaches, harbors, and marinas. The department noted, however, that this “is not a major tsunami, but dangerous currents and strong waves may pose a risk to those near the water.”
President Trump issued a statement on Tuesday evening, urging Americans to “stay strong and stay safe.”
“Due to a massive earthquake that occurred in the Pacific Ocean, a Tsunami Warning is in effect for those living in Hawaii,” he wrote on Truth Social. “A Tsunami Watch is in effect for Alaska and the Pacific Coast of the United States. Japan is also in the way. Please visit tsunami.gov/ for the latest information. STAY STRONG AND STAY SAFE!”
This is a developing story.
