An 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck near Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula on Wednesday, prompting widespread tsunami warnings across the Pacific region.
The Indian Consulate in San Francisco has alerted Indian nationals along the US West Coast and in Hawaii, advising them to remain vigilant and avoid coastal areas while adhering to local guidance.
An emergency helpline has been established for those affected: +1-415-483-6629.
The earthquake was recorded as one of the strongest globally since the catastrophic 2011 Japan disaster.
It was centered approximately 119 kilometers east-southeast of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, a significant city with around 180,000 inhabitants in Russia’s Far East.
The US Geological Survey noted the quake’s depth at approximately 20.7 kilometers, followed by aftershocks that reached magnitudes up to 6.9.
In response to the earthquake, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center confirmed that a tsunami had been generated, warning of potential damage to Hawaii’s coastlines.
The Center urged immediate action to safeguard lives and property, with initial waves predicted to hit around 7 p.m. local time on Tuesday.
Tsunami advisories have been issued in the US for the states of Oregon, California, Washington, and parts of Canada.
Officials from the Oregon Department of Emergency Management warned citizens of possible waves reaching up to 2 feet, urging individuals to steer clear of beaches, harbors, and marinas.
While it was classified as a minor tsunami, dangerous currents and strong waves could still pose significant risks for those near the water.
In Hawaii, sirens alerted residents, prompting them to evacuate to higher ground.
Japan reported that a tsunami of 40 centimeters was recorded in Tokachi, Hokkaido, while in the Philippines, forecasts anticipated waves of less than 1 meter, leading authorities to advise residents against venturing into coastal waters.
New Zealand also issued alerts regarding “strong and unusual currents,” recommending that people avoid all shorelines.
Russian officials confirmed no fatalities following the earthquake but reported damage in the Kamchatka region and evacuations in several coastal areas, such as Severo-Kurilsk in the Kuril Islands.
Governor Valery Limarenko reassured citizens, stating, “Residents are safe and staying on high ground until the threat of a repeat wave is gone.”
Residents of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky experienced structural damage, temporary power outages, and disruptions to mobile networks.
Notably, the regional Health Ministry indicated that while some residents sought medical assistance, there were no significant injuries reported.
Japanese nuclear power operators confirmed that there were no abnormalities in the facilities.
Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, responsible for the Fukushima plant, reported that around 4,000 workers had found shelter on higher ground while maintaining remote monitoring of the facility.
Historically, this earthquake marks the strongest seismic activity in the Kamchatka region since a 9.0 magnitude quake in 1952, which previously resulted in 30-foot waves striking Hawaii but no recorded fatalities.
The Russian Geophysical Survey has warned of the possibility of aftershocks continuing for up to a month, advising against visits to certain coastal areas.
Earlier in July, the region experienced five significant earthquakes, with the largest recorded at a magnitude of 7.4.
Indian nationals in the affected zones are urged to remain alert and continuously follow updates from local authorities and the Indian Consulate.
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