Doha: A powerful 8.8-magnitude earthquake struck off the eastern coast of Russia early Wednesday, prompting tsunami warnings across multiple countries and territories in the Pacific region. The US Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed the earthquake occurred off the coast of Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) issued alerts for the Hawaiian Islands, parts of Alaska's Aleutian Islands, and the western coastlines of Canada and the United States, extending to the Mexican border, as well as the Philippines and Indonesia.

According to Qatar News Agency, based on the preliminary earthquake parameters, widespread hazardous tsunami waves are possible, the PTWC warned. Japan also issued tsunami warnings for several coastal areas. The earthquake triggered a tsunami that struck parts of the northern Kuril Islands, causing significant flooding in the city of Severo-Kurilsk. Russia's Ministry of Emergencies confirmed that approximately 2,000 residents were evacuated from the city.

In response to the potential threat, US President Donald Trump took to social media to urge residents in affected areas to take the warnings seriously. "Due to a massive earthquake that occurred in the Pacific Ocean, a Tsunami Warning is in effect for those living in Hawaii," he wrote on X, adding that residents in Alaska and along the US Pacific Coast should also remain vigilant.

Authorities across the Pacific region are closely monitoring the situation as aftershocks and additional wave activity remain possible.