KAMCHATKA (RUSSIA): A massive earthquake with a magnitude of 8.8 struck off the eastern coast of Russia near the Kamchatka Peninsula, prompting widespread tsunami warnings across the Pacific region.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake occurred approximately 136 kilometers east of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky at a depth of 19 kilometers beneath the seabed.
Russian authorities confirmed that tsunami waves as high as 3 to 4 meters were recorded in several coastal parts of Kamchatka, including Severo-Kurilsk, where the waves struck shortly after the quake. Initial reports indicate that several people have been injured and some buildings including parts of a school were damaged. Fortunately, the school was empty at the time, avoiding potential casualties.
The Governor of Kamchatka has urged residents to evacuate to higher ground. Authorities have begun evacuating Severo-Kurilsk, and emergency response teams have been deployed across the region.
The earthquake is being described as the strongest in the region since 1952, surpassing many previous seismic events in both intensity and impact.
Global Tsunami Alerts
In response to the earthquake, tsunami advisories and warnings have been issued across the Pacific Ocean, including Japan and the Philippines. Emergency alerts issued for coastal areas.
United States: Tsunami warnings in effect for California, Oregon, Washington, and Alaska.
Canada: Warnings extended to the British Columbia coast.
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