A massive 8.8-magnitude earthquake struck off Russia‘s eastern Kamchatka Peninsula, triggering widespread tsunami warnings across the Pacific region.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported the quake’s epicenter was located 125 km southeast of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky at a depth of 19.3 km. The earthquake’s shallow depth raised concerns about potentially destructive tsunami waves.
Tsunami warnings were issued for several countries, including Russia, Japan, the United States, and the Philippines. In Russia, tsunami waves measuring 3 to 4 meters were recorded in parts of Kamchatka, causing flooding and damage in coastal areas like Severo-Kurilsk. The Russian Ministry for Emergency Situations confirmed that the port and fishing facilities were flooded, and several docked ships were dragged out to sea.
In Japan, the Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami advisory, warning of waves reaching up to 3 meters high on its Pacific coastline. Waves of 60cm have been reported along some parts of the coast, including Kuji Port and Hamanaka town. The agency warned that tsunami waves could strike repeatedly, and people were advised to stay away from beaches and rivers.
The US Tsunami Warning System issued an alert for “hazardous tsunami waves” expected along some parts of the Russian and Japanese coastlines. Hawaii ordered evacuations from some coastal areas, with the Honolulu Department of Emergency Management urging residents to “Take Action!” and warning of destructive tsunami waves. The National Weather Service in San Francisco warned against taking pictures of incoming waves, cautioning that it could put individuals and emergency workers at risk.
The Indian Consulate in San Francisco issued an advisory for Indian citizens in California, the US West Coast, and Hawaii, advising them to stay updated with local emergency teams and the US Tsunami Warning Centers, move to higher ground if a tsunami alert is given, and stay away from beaches and coastal areas.
The earthquake’s impact was felt across the Pacific, with several countries issuing tsunami warnings or advisories. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center reported advisories or watches extended to parts of South Korea, North Korea, Taiwan, the Philippines, Marshall Islands, Palau, Kosrae, Chuuk, and the Solomon Islands. Most of these areas expect minor or moderate wave impacts, with advisories in effect as a precaution.
The situation remains volatile, with emergency response teams on standby and monitoring continuing. The earthquake’s similarity to a major event in 1952 has raised concerns, and experts are cautioning that tsunami waves can strike in multiple surges.