A powerful series of earthquakes struck off the coast of Russia’s far east on Sunday, triggering a tsunami alert and raising concerns of hazardous sea waves along surrounding coasts. According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the seismic activity began with 5.0 and 6.7 magnitude tremors, but it was a later 7.4-magnitude quake at 08:49 GMT that prompted a tsunami warning.
The epicentre of the earthquakes was located in the Pacific Ocean, approximately 150 kilometres east of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, a key city on Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula. The USGS said the strongest quake could result in tsunami waves between 30 centimetres and one metre along parts of Russia’s coastline. Additionally, smaller waves under 30 centimetres were predicted for the coasts of Japan and the US state of Hawaii.
The seismic event was followed by a series of aftershocks, including another 6.7-magnitude quake, adding to the volatility of the situation. Russia’s Ministry of Emergency Situations stated via Telegram that waves as high as 60 centimetres were expected in the Commander Islands, located in the southwestern Bering Sea, while the Kamchatka Peninsula could experience waves ranging between 15 and 40 centimetres.
Kamchatka, which lies at the intersection of the Pacific and North American tectonic plates, is a known seismic hotspot. Since 1900, the region has experienced seven significant earthquakes of magnitude 8.3 or higher, underscoring the area’s vulnerability to tectonic shifts and tsunamis.
Authorities in the region are monitoring the situation closely and have urged residents to remain alert and follow safety instructions. While the predicted tsunami waves are not expected to cause widespread damage, even minor tsunamis can pose threats to coastal communities, especially in low-lying areas.
This latest episode highlights the ongoing seismic risk faced by communities along the Pacific Ring of Fire, where tectonic activity frequently results in powerful earthquakes and the threat of tsunamis. Emergency response teams in Russia, Japan, and the US remain on standby as they assess the full impact of Sunday’s seismic activity.
