A powerful magnitude 8.8 earthquake struck off the coast of Russia on Wednesday, prompting tsunami warnings across the Pacific region. The epicenter was located approximately 126km from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky in Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula at a depth of 18km, according to the US Geological Survey.
The quake has triggered tsunami warnings in Japan and the United States, with official evacuation orders issued for coastal areas. Japan’s northern Hokkaido prefecture was the first to experience tsunami activity, with waves up to 40cm high hitting areas such as Tokachi by 10:40am local time. Japanese authorities urged residents in coastal and riverside regions to move to higher ground or designated evacuation buildings, warning that tsunami waves could strike repeatedly and cause serious damage.
Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba stated that while no damage had been confirmed so far, the government was prioritizing human life and preparing for relief operations.
In the United States, a tsunami warning was issued for Hawaii, where waves as high as three meters are feared. Authorities ordered the immediate evacuation of low-lying areas on Oahu, including the state capital Honolulu. Alerts issued by the Honolulu Department of Emergency Management warned of “destructive tsunami waves” and advised residents to take action immediately.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center also issued a tsunami watch for Alaska and advisories for the US West Coast, including California, Oregon, and Washington. Waves could reach California as early as 11:50pm local time, with the potential for multiple waves to occur over the following 10 to 36 hours.
In Russia, waves as high as four meters were reported along parts of the Kamchatka coastline. Regional emergency officials confirmed no injuries but reported damage to a kindergarten.
Geophysicist Helen Janiszewski of the University of Hawaii noted that the quake ranks among the ten most powerful in recorded history, tying in sixth place with historic earthquakes in Chile and Ecuador.
Authorities across the Pacific continue to monitor the situation closely, urging residents to remain alert and follow safety directives until all warnings are officially lifted.
