A powerful earthquake of 8.8 magnitude struck off the coast of Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula in the Far East, triggering a tsunami warning and generating waves as high as 3-4 meters.
The earthquake occurred approximately 126 kilometers from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky at a depth of 18 kilometers, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The tremors prompted immediate tsunami alerts for coastal areas.
Sergei Lebedev, the regional minister for emergencies, confirmed that the tsunami waves reached heights of 3-4 meters in parts of Kamchatka. Preliminary reports indicated no injuries, though a kindergarten sustained damage.
Kamchatka Governor Vladimir Solodov described the quake as serious and the strongest in decades, in a video statement on Telegram. Authorities continue to monitor the situation, urging residents to remain cautious as aftershocks are possible.
Emergency response teams are assessing the damage while ensuring public safety. The US and Japan have also issued tsunami warnings, and official evacuation orders have been issued to people on the Pacific coast of Japan and in Hawaii.
US Issues Tsunami Warning for Hawaii and West Coast After Powerful Earthquake
The United States has issued a tsunami warning for Hawaii, with authorities warning of potentially destructive waves up to 3 meters high.
A tsunami watch has also been declared for Alaska, while advisories are in place for the West Coast, including California, Oregon, and Washington.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Honolulu cautioned that Guam, a US island territory, could also face waves between 1 and 3 meters. Tsunamis, consisting of multiple powerful waves, can cause severe coastal damage and flooding.
Officials in Hawaii have ordered an “immediate evacuation” for parts of Oahu, including the capital, Honolulu. Emergency alerts urged residents: “Take Action! Destructive tsunami waves are expected.”
While no evacuations have been ordered for the US West Coast, residents in California, Oregon, and Washington have been warned to stay away from beaches and coastal areas.
The National Weather Service predicts the first waves could hit California around 11:50 PM local time, with multiple waves continuing for 10 to 36 hours.
The tsunami threat follows a massive 8.8-magnitude earthquake, which experts say ranks among the top 10 most severe quakes ever recorded. According to the US Geological Survey, it ties with historic earthquakes in Chile and Ecuador.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation, urging residents in affected areas to follow official guidance and stay alert for updates.
Japan Issues Tsunami Warning After 30cm Waves Hit Hokkaido Coast
Japan has issued a tsunami warning after the first waves, reaching 30cm in height, struck the northern coast of Hokkaido prefecture before 10:40 a.m. local time.
Larger waves, measuring 40cm, were later observed in Tokachi, Hokkaido, according to Japanese public broadcaster NHK.
The Japanese government has urged residents along the Pacific coast to evacuate immediately, warning of potential tsunami damage.
Damage due to tsunami waves is expected. Evacuate immediately from coastal regions and riverside areas to a safer place such as high ground or an evacuation building.
The warning also emphasized that tsunami waves could be dangerous, adding: “Do not leave safe ground until the warning is lifted.”
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba stated that authorities were assessing the situation and assured that relief efforts would prioritize human lives. So far, there have been no reports of damage.
Residents in affected areas are urged to stay vigilant and follow evacuation orders as the situation develops.
