Authorities in Japan and the United States have issued tsunami alerts following a powerful 8.8-magnitude earthquake that struck near Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula on Wednesday. The quake, initially measured at 8.7, was later upgraded by the US Geological Survey.
The epicenter was located roughly 126 km (78 miles) from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky at a depth of 18 km. Russian officials confirmed waves reaching up to 4 meters along parts of Kamchatka’s coast. While no injuries have been reported, a kindergarten sustained damage, according to local emergency services. Governor Vladimir Solodov described it as the strongest tremor the region has experienced in decades.
Evacuations in Japan and Hawaii
Japan’s meteorological agency has warned that tsunami waves as high as 3 meters could strike wide stretches of its Pacific coast. Authorities urged residents to move to higher ground or evacuation shelters immediately and to stay away from coastal and riverside areas until the warning is lifted.
Initial waves, measuring 30 to 40 cm, were recorded along Hokkaido’s northern coast earlier this morning. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said that assessments were ongoing and emphasized that “human lives will be put first” in all response efforts.
In Hawaii, officials ordered an immediate evacuation of low-lying areas, including parts of Honolulu. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center warned that waves up to 3 meters could reach the islands, while Guam may also face hazardous conditions.
US West Coast on alert
The US National Weather Service issued advisories for California, Oregon, and Washington. Though evacuations were not ordered, residents were advised to stay away from beaches and coastal zones. Officials noted that multiple waves could arrive over a 10 to 36-hour period, with the first expected in California late Wednesday night.
This quake is among the ten strongest recorded globally, tied with the 2010 Biobío earthquake in Chile and the 1906 Esmeraldas earthquake in Ecuador, according to geophysics experts.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as aftershocks and further waves remain possible.