Hawaii Issues Tsunami Alert After 8.8 Russia Earthquake, Thousands Evacuate

An 8.8-magnitude earthquake off the coast of eastern Russia triggered tsunami warnings across the Pacific, including Hawaii, causing widespread evacuations and disruptions for residents and tourists alike. Vacationers such as the Autote couple from Watertown and the Rumbaugh honeymooners from Arkansas described seeking higher ground amid traffic jams and uncertainty, while some cruise passengers were stranded ashore as ships moved to safer waters. Locals and visitors experienced significant disruptions, with roads clogged and beaches emptied as people heeded evacuation orders, including wedding guests who had to move to upper floors of hotels. Kentucky couples Kristen Muto and Ethan and Faith Mulling recounted the chaotic evacuations and delays, highlighting the community's preparedness and the challenges posed by geography and traffic. Although the warning was later downgraded to an advisory, residents noticed stronger currents and higher waves along the coast but reported minimal damage overall. The incident underscored the Pacific region's vulnerability to seismic events and the importance of swift response plans.