Imagine feeling the earth shake, a terrifying reminder of nature’s raw power. An 8.7 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Russia, sending shockwaves not just through the ground but across the Pacific Ocean, igniting tsunami alerts for Alaska, Hawaii, and the entire West Coast of the United States.

This colossal quake hit around 85 miles off the east coast of Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula, with a depth of nearly 12 miles, as reported by the U.S. Geological Survey. The intensity of the quake was only the beginning; aftershocks measuring 6.3 and 6.9 were also recorded, further shaking the already fragile region.

As the world braced for the first tsunami waves, alarm bells rang for Alaska's Aleutian Islands and Hawaii, while California, Oregon, Washington, and even Guam remained on high alert. The first destructive wave was expected to hit Hawaii just after 7:15 p.m. local time, as Oahu Emergency Management warned residents of the potential disaster.

Authorities urged coastal inhabitants to evacuate immediately. The National Weather Service cautioned that tsunami waves could wrap around islands, putting all shores at risk. “The danger can continue for many hours after the initial wave, as subsequent waves arrive,” they stated. “Tsunami heights cannot be predicted, and the first wave may not be the largest.”

Japan wasn’t left untouched by the quake’s rippling effects. The Pacific Coast regions from Hokkaido to Kyushu were also put on alert, with predictions of a 1-meter high tsunami reaching Hokkaido around 10:00 a.m. local time. Waves were expected to follow later in the day along parts of eastern Honshu and southern Kyushu.

In this chaotic moment, authorities warned individuals to steer clear of coastal areas and river mouths, emphasizing the danger posed by observing the waves. A tsunami warning signifies an impending threat of widespread, dangerous flooding and powerful currents, while a tsunami watch indicates that a distant earthquake has occurred.

The situation remains fluid, and updates are coming in as coastal communities prepare for what may be a harrowing night ahead.