A powerful **8.8-magnitude earthquake** struck off Russia’s eastern coast on **Wednesday, July 30**, sparking **tsunami warnings in at least 16 countries**. The quake, one of the strongest ever recorded, triggered **waves as high as 4–5 feet in Hawaii**, with officials warning they could “wrap around the islands.”
The **US Geological Survey (USGS)** reported the quake’s epicenter was about **74 miles southeast of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky** at a depth of 20.7 km. It was followed by strong aftershocks measuring **6.3 and 6.9**.
Over **1.9 million people were evacuated in Japan**, where large waves hit the northern and eastern coasts. **Tsunami alerts were issued across the Pacific**, including for **California**, the **US West Coast**, **Russia**, **Japan**, **Chile**, **Indonesia**, **Peru**, **Ecuador**, **Mexico**, and various Pacific islands.
President Trump urged Americans to “**STAY STRONG AND STAY SAFE**,” directing them to **tsunami.gov** for updates.
Authorities are urging people in coastal areas to **move to higher ground**, stay at least **100 feet above sea level**, and avoid beaches and harbors. A **loud ocean roar** or sudden water withdrawal may signal an incoming tsunami.
