A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 8.8 struck Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula on Wednesday, generating tsunami waves that spread towards Japan, Hawaii, and the west coast of the United States, leading to evacuation orders affecting millions of people.
This quake is noted as the sixth-strongest ever recorded and occurred at 8:25 a.m. Japan time, at a depth of approximately 13 miles, according to the US Geological Survey.
The epicenter of the tremor was located about 75 miles from the city of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, triggering subsequent aftershocks, some reaching up to 6.9 in magnitude.
Despite the quake’s intensity, authorities reported no fatalities or significant structural damage, a relief considering the scale of the event.
Immediately following the earthquake, residents in the area rushed to flee inland as ports experienced flooding, and several individuals sustained injuries in their haste to escape buildings.
In Japan, where memories of the devastating 2011 earthquake and tsunami remain fresh, thousands of people sought safety in evacuation centers, hilltop parks, and rooftops along the Pacific coast.
Evacuation orders were put in place for tens of thousands, and transportation services including ferries, trains, and flights experienced delays or suspension.
Initial tsunami height estimates indicated a significant 10 to 13 feet along the Kamchatka coast, while Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido recorded waves of approximately 2 feet.
In San Francisco, tsunami waves were observed at heights of 2 to 5 feet.
Russia’s Oceanology Institute suggested that some tsunami waves could have surged to between 30 and 50 feet in certain areas of the Kamchatka coast.
Following the event, authorities in the Philippines, Mexico, and New Zealand cautioned residents to be vigilant for potential waves and strong currents along coastlines.
In Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Solomon Islands, individuals were encouraged to keep their distance from coastlines as tsunami waves began to propagate.
Most of the US west coast, which includes California, Oregon, Washington state, and British Columbia, was under a tsunami advisory, indicating the likelihood of hazardous currents and waves along beaches and in harbors.
Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem stated that the worst of the tsunami risk was largely over.
Hawaii, while originally under a tsunami advisory, had evacuation orders lifted for the Big Island and Oahu—the most populated regions—by the evening.
Honolulu airport resumed flights, although significant traffic congestion had been reported, even in areas distanced from the shoreline.
Governor Josh Green expressed concerns about public safety, warning that large waves might pose drowning risks, and mentioned that rescue teams were on standby, with Black Hawk helicopters and high-water vehicles ready for deployment if necessary.
Dave Snider, tsunami warning coordinator for the National Tsunami Warning Centre in Alaska, explained the potential duration of tsunami impacts, stating, “A tsunami is not just one wave; it comprises a series of powerful waves over an extended period.”
The regional division of the Russian Emergency Ministry in Kamchatka also issued warnings, indicating expectations of aftershocks that could reach magnitudes of up to 7.5 and suggested the likelihood of additional tsunamis in locations such as Avacha Bay, home to the regional capital.
Oleg Melnikov, the regional health department head, confirmed that a few individuals sustained minor injuries while evacuating buildings, including one patient who jumped from a window.
Fortunately, all reported injuries were stabilized.
Post-quake, reports indicated that a volcano in Kamchatka erupted, confirmed by the local branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences’ geophysical service.
On their Telegram platform, the Academy noted: “A descent of burning hot lava is observed on the western slope, with powerful glow above the volcano and explosions.”
Authorities will continue to monitor the seismic activity closely as the situation develops.
image source from：independent
