US On Tsunami Alert, Evacuations Underway, One Dead In Japan Following Massive Quake Near Russia
Kamchatka Earthquake: A massive 8.8-magnitude earthquake struck Russia’s Far East, resulting in tsunami waves and alerts across regions from Japan to Hawaii. Key updates below:
One of the most powerful earthquakes ever recorded occurred off Russia’s Far Eastern coast, setting off tsunami waves that spread across the Pacific Ocean and triggered alerts in countries ranging from Japan and Hawaii to the western coast of the United States. While widespread destruction hasn’t been reported, officials cautioned that hazardous currents and repeated wave surges could persist for over a day.
The massive 8.8-magnitude tremor, which was centred near Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, caused immediate flooding in nearby coastal regions as alarmed residents rushed inland. In Japan, foamy waves reached the northern coast, while in Hawaii’s capital, traffic came to a standstill as people moved away from the coastline.
Kamchatka Earthquake: What Exactly Happened?
The earthquake was recorded about 119 kilometres southeast of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, a Russian city housing nearly 1.8 lakh people. Initially pegged at magnitude 8.0, the US Geological Survey later revised it to 8.8, with a shallow depth of 20.7 kilometres. Several significant aftershocks followed, including one of 6.9 magnitude.
Tsunami waves ranging from 3 to 4 metres (10 to 13 feet) were observed on Kamchatka’s coast. In Hokkaido, Japan, wave heights reached around 60 centimetres (2 feet), while Alaska’s Aleutian Islands reported sea-level increases of up to 1.4 feet (just under 30 centimetres).
Kamchatka Earthquake: Which Countries Are On Tsunami Alert?
Tsunami warnings and advisories were issued for a wide expanse of the Pacific. Alerts were sounded in Japan, Russia, Hawaii, Alaska, California, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, Mexico, the Philippines, New Zealand, and several Pacific Island nations including Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga.
In Hawaii, Midway Atoll data showed wave peaks reaching 6 feet. Governor Josh Green mentioned that the waves impacting the islands could vary in intensity, describing them as “3-foot waves riding on top of existing surf.” Emergency response teams readied helicopters and high-water rescue vehicles.
Along the western coast of the US, tsunami advisories were announced from California up to British Columbia. In Oregon, waves between 1 and 2 feet were reported, with authorities advising people to avoid beaches, harbours, and marinas.
Kamchatka Earthquake: Were There Any Evacuations?
Thousands of people in Japan were shifted to emergency shelters, especially in northern towns such as Matsushima. Authorities stated that residents might not be able to return home the same day, owing to the ongoing threat of elevated sea levels. Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi warned that “multiple wave surges” could still occur.
Meanwhile, Hawaii’s county authorities lifted evacuation orders after tsunami warnings were downgraded to advisories. Despite this, officials urged continued caution due to strong sea currents and potential after-wave activity.
Kamchatka Earthquake: Impact On Nuclear Sites & Infrastructure
Japan’s nuclear facilities remained secure. At Fukushima Daiichi – the site of the 2011 nuclear crisis – nearly 4,000 staff were moved to safer ground but continued to monitor systems remotely. No irregularities in operation were reported.
In Russia, the port town of Severokurilsk experienced flooding, with waves sweeping away fishing vessels. Mayor Alexander Ovsyannikov stated that while no serious damage occurred, power supply was cut temporarily as safety checks were undertaken.
Kamchatka Earthquake: How Does This Compare To Previous Quakes?
This earthquake is among the most intense globally since the 2011 Japan quake that measured 9.0 in magnitude, causing thousands of deaths and a nuclear disaster. Only a few tremors in recorded history have matched or exceeded the magnitude of the current one.
