Hawaii Activates Tsunami Sirens for First Time in a Decade After Major Earthquake

Tsunami Warning and Downgrade

• 🚨 A massive 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck Russia's far east, triggering tsunami alerts across the Pacific.
• 📉 Hawaii and parts of Japan have since downgraded their tsunami warnings to advisories, with Hawaii lifting evacuation orders.

Impact in Hawaii

• 🌊 In Hawaii, the worst-case wave scenario did not materialize, with waves measuring just under 6 feet.
• 📢 Hawaii activated its emergency tsunami sirens for the first time in over a decade, causing panic and evacuations.
• 🚗 Tens of thousands of people scrambled to seek higher ground, with some experiencing significant traffic delays.
• ✈️ Flights to Hawaii were cancelled, and some tourists were rerouted mid-flight, though airports are now reopening.

Southern California and West Coast

• 🤏 In Southern California, waves measured about half a foot, significantly less than initially feared.
• ⚠️ Officials are urging caution along the coast for the next 20 hours due to concerns about rip currents and strong surge.
• 🏄 Surfers and beachgoers are advised to be aware of potential hazards even after the immediate tsunami threat has passed.