Massive Earthquake Triggers Deadly Tsunami That Forces Two Million People to Flee Coastal Towns Across Japan and Russia

What started as a quiet day in the Pacific has turned into a region-wide emergency.

A massive 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, setting off tsunami waves that have already begun slamming into coastlines in Japan, Russia, and Hawaii—with more regions on edge as the night unfolds.

Two Million Ordered to Flee in Japan as Tsunami Waves Close In

Japan has urged over two million people across 21 prefectures to evacuate immediately.

Officials are sounding the alarm that waves as high as 10 feet (three meters) could hit coastal communities within minutes.

In towns like Mukawa in Hokkaido, residents have rushed to rooftops and higher floors for safety.

Russia Hit Hard as Towns Flood and Buildings Wash Away

Footage out of Russia’s far east shows buildings in Kamchatka submerged or swept away.

In Severo-Kurilsk, tsunami waves reached up to five meters, forcing the evacuation of about 2,700 people.

Tragically, injuries have already been reported—including one woman who jumped from a window during the panic.

Hawaii Faces Incoming Waves and Island-Wide Emergency

Hawaii is bracing for impact, with sirens blaring and residents told to head to higher ground or shelter in the upper floors of tall buildings.

The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration confirmed waves as high as six feet already reached Maui, and the governor has issued a full emergency proclamation.

Flights have been grounded, streets emptied, and shelters opened as officials warn the danger is far from over.

Shockwaves Felt Across the Pacific—Widespread Warnings Issued

Countries across the Pacific are now under tsunami alerts.

Here’s a breakdown of affected areas:

• Over 3m waves possible: Ecuador, Hawaii, Russia

• 1–3m waves: Chile, Costa Rica, islands across the Pacific

• Up to 1m waves: Australia, Colombia, Mexico, New Zealand, Tonga, Taiwan

Even regions as far as the Galápagos Islands in Ecuador have begun evacuations, while FEMA in the U.S. stands ready to respond if Hawaii takes a direct hit.

Nuclear Fears Return: Fukushima Plant Evacuated

With echoes of the devastating 2011 disaster, Japan has evacuated around 4,000 workers from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant.

Although officials say there’s been “no abnormality” detected, water releases have been halted and all staff have been moved to safety.

Tourists Caught Off Guard in Hawaii and Russia

British tourist Rachel Burrows described a frightening scene while touring Hawaii.

Emergency sirens interrupted her excursion, forcing her group to race back to their cruise ship. “It was really scary—everyone was running,” she said.

Meanwhile in Russia, about 60 tourists were evacuated from Kamchatka’s Khalaktyrsky Beach by emergency vehicles.

Whales Washed Ashore Amid Wave Surges

Heartbreaking scenes are emerging from both Russia and Japan, where several whales have been stranded.

In Kamchatka, volunteers tried to keep belugas alive by pouring water over them, while three sperm whales were found washed ashore in Japan.

California, Washington, Oregon on Tsunami Watch

Along the U.S. West Coast, the National Weather Service has issued various levels of warnings.

A tsunami advisory is now in effect for cities like Los Angeles, with possible wave arrivals estimated between 3am–4am EST.

Authorities are urging coastal residents to steer clear of beaches and marinas until further notice.

Massive Traffic Jams and Rooftop Evacuations as Panic Spreads

Hawaiians fleeing coastal zones clogged major roads, while others headed for the upper floors of hotels or fire stations.

Governor Josh Green advised residents not to drive unless absolutely necessary, reminding them that waves could hit at any time.

Tonga, China, and New Zealand Take Emergency Measures

In Tonga, sirens wailed across the capital Nuku’alofa.

China briefly issued tsunami alerts for Shanghai and Zhejiang before lifting them, while New Zealand warned coastal residents to avoid beaches and shorelines altogether.

Russia Declares State of Emergency as Regions Flood

Russia’s Sakhalin government has declared a state of emergency across its tsunami-affected regions.

Some towns have suffered serious flooding, and damage reports are still coming in.

Ring of Fire to Blame for Seismic Activity

This massive quake struck along the Pacific Ring of Fire—a zone infamous for earthquakes and volcanoes.

Scientists say it’s the strongest quake in the area since 1952, and aftershocks are continuing.

A Grim Reminder of Earthquakes Past

This quake matches the strength of Chile’s devastating 2010 disaster and is eerily close in magnitude to Japan’s 2011 catastrophe that left nearly 20,000 people dead or missing.

It now ranks as the sixth strongest earthquake ever recorded.

U.S. and Global Response in Motion

The Captain of Port Honolulu ordered all commercial vessels to leave the harbors.

Across the globe, governments in Mexico, Peru, the Philippines, and Indonesia are on high alert and coordinating emergency responses.

Trump Issues Statement as Crisis Unfolds

Former President Donald Trump weighed in on the crisis with a message urging people in Hawaii and across the Pacific coast to follow updates from official tsunami centers. “Stay strong and stay safe,” he wrote.