Powerful earthquake in Russia’s Far East sparks tsunami alerts (VIDEOS)
A tsunami warning has been issued for the coastal areas of Russia’s Far East, with hazardous waves also possible in Japan, Alaska and Hawaii, after an earthquake struck off the coast of the Kamchatka Peninsula.
The quake, initially measured at magnitude 7.5, since upgraded to 8.8, was registered around 11:30am local time on Wednesday, approximately 136km southeast of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, according to the Geophysical Service of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The US Geological Survey (USGS) later assessed it as magnitude 8.8.
“An absolute tsunami alert on the coast of Avacha Bay!” the Russian agency announced, warning of potentially hazardous waves along the Kamchatka shoreline.
“The wave height is not large, but it is NECESSARY to move away from the coast. Under no circumstances should anyone approach the shoreline to observe the tsunami – this could be dangerous,” the Kamchatka branch of the Emergency Situations Ministry said.
Residents reported strong shaking during the initial tremors, which caused furniture to rattle, household appliances to fall, and car alarms to activate.
Walls collapsed at a kindergarten in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, according to videos from the scene, though no casualties have been reported. The Emergency Situations Ministry (EMERCOM) said the quake’s intensity reached 8 points in parts of the city.
In the Kuril Islands, a tsunami threat was declared following seismic activity near Severo-Kurilsk, located on Paramushir Island. Sakhalin Region Governor Valery Limarenko confirmed that evacuations are underway in the area as a precaution.
The Japan Meteorological Agency has also issued a tsunami advisory for wide areas along Japan’s Pacific coast, stretching from Hokkaido to Kyushu. The authorities have urged residents in coastal regions to remain alert and evacuate low-lying areas if necessary.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued Tsunami Advisories for Alaska’s Aleutian Islands and the entire state of Hawaii.
