- An 8.8-magnitude earthquake struck off Russia's far east triggering a Pacific tsunami alert
- Alaska and Hawaii experienced tsunami waves, with Hawaii seeing up to four-foot waves
- US West Coast states reported smaller waves, largest being 1.6 feet at Arena Cove, California
The Pacific was on tsunami alert after a massive 8.8-magnitude earthquake struck off Russia's far east earlier today. Alaska and Hawaii saw violent waves, while other parts of the US West Coast witnessed minimal impact. Warning centres in the US had shared estimated timings when the country's coasts could be hit, providing ample time to prepare for any emergency. Check live updates
Alaska's western Aleutian Islands, Kodiak, and Southeast Alaska witnessed the first tsunami waves. The alerts have since been downgraded.
Hawaii saw waves as tall as four feet crashing into its shores. The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency said the tsunami warning has been downgraded to an advisory.
Tsunami waves were reported from Washington, Oregon, and California as well. The largest wave was observed at Arena Cove, California, at 1.6 feet, Crescent City at 1.5 feet, and Monterey at 1.5 feet. The warning now stands only in Northern California.
Earlier in the day, a tsunami advisory was issued for all coastal regions in the Bay Area and Central Coast, including San Francisco and San Pablo Bays, according to the National Weather Service in the San Francisco Bay Area. Dangerous currents and waves were possible, it has warned, urging people to stay away from the beaches and waterways until local officials say otherwise.
In a similar advisory, NSW Los Angeles had said rising water levels and strong currents could affect the beach areas, especially harbours. "Tsunamis typically arrive as a series of waves, which can be dangerous for many hours after the first wave," it had warned.
The Indian mission in San Francisco had also advised Indians in California and other states on the US West Coast to avoid coastal areas, move to higher grounds if a tsunami warning is issued, follow local alerts, and prepare for emergencies.
