Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
A powerful 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck off the sparsely populated coast of Russia’s Far East early Wednesday, triggering tsunami warnings across vast stretches of the Pacific. The quake, one of the strongest ever recorded in the region, sent waves as far as the Galápagos Islands, French Polynesia, Japan, Hawaii, and the western coast of the United States.
Tsunami Alerts Triggered and Downgraded
Initial tsunami advisories were issued across much of the Pacific Rim, prompting evacuations in several countries and temporary closures of coastal areas. As wave data was analyzed and the threat level reassessed, many of these warnings were later downgraded or lifted altogether.
The United States canceled tsunami advisories for most of its Pacific coast, including Washington, Oregon, and much of California. However, isolated portions of Northern and south-central California remained under advisory, along with Alaska’s Aleutian Islands and the state of Hawaii.
Los Angeles County reopened its beaches after advisories were lifted, though authorities advised beachgoers to check with lifeguards about water conditions before entering. Ocean currents may continue to fluctuate in affected regions for several days, and the National Weather Service warned that strong and unpredictable currents may still pose a risk.
Galápagos Islands Record Significant Wave Activity
In Ecuador’s Galápagos Islands, tsunami waves began to arrive shortly after the quake. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) reported that the islands of Baltra and Santa Cruz experienced wave heights of approximately 1.04 meters (3.4 feet) and 0.4 meters (1.3 feet), respectively. Ecuador’s Oceanographic Institute of the Naval Forces (INOCAR) confirmed wave heights reaching up to 1.3 meters (4.3 feet) in some areas.
In response, the Galápagos National Park temporarily closed visitor sites as a precaution. Authorities continue to monitor the situation as fluctuations in sea levels remain possible.
French Polynesia and Chile Take Action
More than 10,000 kilometers from the earthquake’s epicenter, tsunami waves also reached the Marquesas Islands in French Polynesia. French President Emmanuel Macron called for vigilance and said all state services in the semi-autonomous territory had been mobilized. “I call for vigilance: follow the instructions of local authorities,” he posted on X (formerly Twitter), expressing support for residents in the Pacific.
Meanwhile, Chile a country highly experienced in managing seismic events raised its tsunami alert to the highest level along much of its Pacific coastline and began evacuating hundreds of residents in coastal areas as a precautionary measure.
Aftershocks and Foreshocks Rattle Region
In the hours following the main quake, seismic activity remained intense. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported approximately 125 aftershocks of magnitude 4.4 or greater within the first 16 hours, including three above magnitude 6.0. The largest, a magnitude 6.9 aftershock, struck just 45 minutes after the initial tremor.
Another strong aftershock a magnitude 6.4 was recorded about 200 miles southwest of the main quake’s epicenter late Wednesday morning. Seismologists expect the aftershock sequence to continue for weeks, potentially even months, though the intensity and frequency will gradually decrease over time.
According to seismic patterns, large earthquakes are typically followed by one aftershock about one magnitude lower and roughly ten aftershocks two magnitudes lower. Based on this, the region could eventually experience around 100 aftershocks in the 5.0–5.9 range and upwards of 1,000 in the 4.0–4.9 range.
Interestingly, the quake was preceded by significant foreshocks, a magnitude 7.4 and a 6.6 earthquake nine days earlier. While such strong foreshocks are rare, they are not unprecedented in tectonically active regions.
Alaska Feels No Ground Shaking, But Monitors Ocean Activity
Despite its geographic proximity, Alaska reported minimal impact. Adak, a small community in the Aleutian Islands, recorded a tsunami wave of just under one meter (2.7 feet). No damage or injuries were reported.
“I think what really surprised us, given the magnitude of that earthquake on Kamchatka, is that we didn’t feel a thing,” said Adak City Manager Breck Craig. “The bad thing is, that it might be our turn next.”
Global Response and Ongoing Vigilance
Although the immediate threat has subsided in many locations, authorities across the Pacific remain on high alert. Emergency agencies continue to monitor ocean activity and provide updates to coastal populations.
While no major damage has been reported so far and injuries have been limited and non-life-threatening, the event underscores the unpredictable nature of seismic hazards. It also serves as a reminder of the vast interconnectedness of the Pacific basin, where one powerful geological event can send waves both literal and logistical across thousands of miles.
