Trump Urges Alaska, Pacific Coast To ‘Stay Strong And Safe’ After Massive 8.7 Quake Triggers Tsunami Warnings

US President Donald Trump has called on residents along Alaska and the Pacific Coast to remain ‘strong and safe’ following a powerful 8.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Russia’s Far East early Wednesday, triggering widespread tsunami warnings.

The quake hit off the Kamchatka Peninsula, stirring alarm throughout the Pacific basin. Its epicentre was located roughly 119 kilometres from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, a Russian city of about 1,80,000 people.

Taking to X, President Trump posted, “Due to a massive earthquake that occurred in the Pacific Ocean, a Tsunami Warning is in effect for those living in Hawaii. A Tsunami Watch is in effect for Alaska and the Pacific Coast of the United States. Japan is also in the way. Please visit https://tsunami.gov for the latest information. STAY STRONG AND STAY SAFE!”

Russian Authorities Begin Evacuations

Authorities in Russia swiftly began evacuating areas close to the epicentre, particularly in the Kamchatka region, where tsunami waves between 3 and 4 metres were reported.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre issued alerts for multiple nations and territories, warning that waves exceeding 3 metres could hit parts of the Pacific Rim.

Alerts extended to coastal areas of Alaska, Hawaii, Chile, the Solomon Islands, and as far as New Zealand. In Hawaii, warning sirens sounded across Honolulu, sending locals and visitors to higher ground.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre urged residents in threatened areas to act quickly. It stated, “Urgent action should be taken to protect lives and property.”

The initial waves were projected to reach shorelines by around 7 PM Tuesday local time.

The first tsunami wave hit Severo-Kurilsk, the primary settlement on Russia’s Kuril Islands, shortly after the quake.

Local governor Valery Limarenko confirmed the wave’s arrival and said evacuations had been carried out as a safety measure.

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