A powerful earthquake measuring 8.8 magnitude has struck off the coast of Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, causing widespread panic and triggering tsunami warnings across the Pacific. The quake, one of the strongest recorded globally since 2011, hit about 119 kilometers east-southeast of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, a major city in Russia’s Far East. It struck at a shallow depth of 19.3 kilometers, making its impact stronger on the surface.
Tsunami warnings were quickly issued for coastal regions in Russia, Japan, the United States, and several Pacific islands. The U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center issued advisories for Alaska, Hawaii, and the U.S. West Coast. In Hawaii, people were urged to move to higher ground or the upper floors of buildings as tsunami waves were expected. The U.S. Coast Guard ordered ships to leave harbors to avoid damage.
Tsunami waves have already hit parts of Kamchatka, flooding parts of a port and a fish processing plant in the town of Severo-Kurilsk. Several boats were swept away. Kamchatka’s governor called the earthquake “the strongest in decades,” with Russian scientists confirming it was the most powerful since 1952. Fortunately, no serious injuries or deaths have been reported yet. A kindergarten and several buildings suffered damage, but most structures remained standing.
In Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, residents felt the earth shaking for several minutes. One local described it as if “the walls could collapse at any moment.” Many ran out of their homes in fear.
In Japan, the government issued evacuation orders for coastal areas, including regions that were hit by the deadly 2011 tsunami. The Fukushima nuclear plant, which had a meltdown in 2011, was temporarily evacuated. Japan recorded tsunami waves up to 60 centimeters. Officials reported no injuries or damage so far, and no issues at nuclear facilities. Automaker Nissan suspended factory operations to ensure worker safety.
The Japan Meteorological Agency warned that waves up to 1 meter could reach large parts of the coast. The agency said multiple tsunami waves may strike, and people must stay away from the sea until all warnings are lifted.
The U.S. Tsunami Warning System warned of dangerous tsunami waves over 3 meters in some areas, including parts of Russia, northern Hawaiian islands, and Ecuador. Other countries such as Chile, Japan, and the Solomon Islands could also see waves of 1 to 3 meters. Smaller waves could reach the U.S. West Coast and other parts of the Pacific.
In Russia, several people were hurt while trying to flee buildings. One person was injured jumping from a window, and another was hurt in Kamchatka’s new airport terminal. Power was cut in the Sakhalin region due to damage to the grid.
The earthquake hit an area located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a zone known for frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. On the same day, the Klyuchevskoy volcano in Kamchatka erupted, sending ash 3 kilometers into the sky. Experts warned that lava flows are expected and more ash emissions may happen, which could affect low-flying planes. An orange aviation alert has been issued, although the volcano is not near major international air routes.
Authorities say aftershocks are continuing, with some as strong as 6.9 in magnitude. While stronger quakes are not expected immediately, experts urge caution as the situation is still unfolding.
This massive quake and the related tsunami warnings have raised global concern, especially in areas previously hit by similar disasters. Emergency services are monitoring the situation closely and continue to advise people to stay alert and follow evacuation orders where issued.
