“I saw the water swallow the street—then the ground started shaking” – MASSIVE EARTHQUAKE triggers DEADLY tsunami near Hawaii, waves SLAM coastlines as officials warn of “UNSTOPPABLE destruction” and scramble to launch emergency helicopter evacuations for stranded families

Chaos struck paradise without warning. A powerful 8.7 magnitude earthquake rocked the Pacific, triggering a series of fast-moving tsunami waves that pounded Hawaii’s coastline and left entire neighborhoods underwater. Residents reported hearing deep rumbles seconds before walls of water surged through the streets, destroying homes and sweeping away vehicles. Officials say this is only the beginning, as more waves are expected and fears grow over structural collapse across multiple islands. Helicopters are already circling overhead, preparing to evacuate families trapped in upper floors and rooftops.

Tap to see footage and real-time updates before more waves hit—time may be running out.

Tsunami waves have hit Hawaii after a massive 8.7 earthquake sparked tidal wave fears for the entire west coast.

Hawaii’s governor, Josh Green, has said it is still too early to accurately predict the size of the incoming waves, while it is also important to note that the first wave may not be the strongest.

Following this morning’s earthquake, residents across the U.S. island have been bracing for possible impacts, while parts of other states are also at risk.

According to data from Midway Atoll—located between Japan and Hawaii—tsunami waves reached a peak-to-trough height of 1.8 meters (approximately 6 feet), Governor Green reported.

He emphasized that wave sizes affecting Hawaii could vary and might end up being either larger or smaller than initial estimates.

Vehicles have been frantically trying to escape parts of Hawaii ahead of the tsunami ( 
Image:
(Photo by EUGENE TANNER/AFP via Getty Images))
“This is a longitudinal wave with significant force, pushing through the shoreline and inland,” he explained during a news conference.

He urged caution, adding, “Please do not put yourself in harm’s way.”

Storm watcher Colin McCarthery, who reported the surge at Hilo, has warned: “Many more rounds of tsunami waves will occur throughout the night.”

Millions of Americans have been urged to seek higher ground and evacuate coastal areas after the world’s biggest earthquake in 14 years sparked tsunami warnings across the Pacific and sent waves crashing into Russia and Japan.

Tsunami waves hit both Japan and Russia on Sunday evening, and the first waves to strike the United States are due to hit Hawaii within minutes.

Sirens have been blaring across the island as residents were warned to evacuate or seek shelter on the fourth floor or higher of high rise buildings.

Authorities indicated waves as high as 10 feet, or three meters, above normal tide level could tear through coastal towns within minutes.

Meanwhile millions of Americans across Guam, California, Washington and Oregon are under various levels of warnings, with tsunami waves expected to land throughout the night.

The quake reached a magnitude of 8.8 – which makes it the sixth strongest earthquake ever measured.

It struck about 84 miles east-southeast of Kamchatska, off the coast of Russia, about 7.24pm EST.

Buildings in Russia were captured on video already under water or being entirely washed away after the first waves hit.

Several people were taken to hospital with various injuries. At least one woman sustained injuries by jumping out of a window, Russian authorities said.

It is the largest earthquake to hit since 2011, when a 9.1 megaquake hit northeast Japan and left 19,747 people either dead or missing.

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How to stay safe during a tsunami

The United States government issued crucial advice to those impacted, with six steps to follow to ensure that you and your loved ones stay safe:

If caused by an earthquake, Drop, Cover, then Hold On to protect yourself from the earthquake first.
Get to high ground as far inland as possible
Be alert to signs of a tsunami, such as a sudden rise or draining of ocean waters.
Listen to emergency information and alerts. Always follow the instructions from local emergency managers.
Evacuate: DO NOT wait! Leave as soon as you see any natural signs of a tsunami or receive an official tsunami warning.
If you are in a boat, go out to sea.