8.8 magnitude quake strikes Kamchatka, tsunami alert issued

KATHMANDU: A massive 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula on Wednesday, triggering tsunami warnings across the Pacific coastal regions.

Authorities in Russia, Japan, and the western United States have issued alerts, and thousands of people have been evacuated to safer areas.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the quake’s epicenter was located about 126 kilometers from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky city, at a depth of 18 kilometers. It is considered the strongest earthquake in the region since 1952.

Regional Emergency Minister Sergei Lebedev confirmed tsunami waves of 3 to 4 meters struck parts of Kamchatka. The Russian Emergency Ministry reported flooding in parts of Severo-Kurilsk city, home to around 2,000 residents. Social media videos show rising water levels near the city.

Kamchatka Governor Vladimir Solodov described the quake as the most powerful in decades and urged residents to stay away from coastal areas. Several buildings, including a kindergarten in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, suffered damage. Some individuals sustained minor injuries but are reported to be in stable condition.

Japan on High Alert, Thousands Evacuated

Japan issued tsunami warnings along a broad Pacific coastal region stretching from Hokkaido to Wakayama Prefecture. The Japan Meteorological Agency warned waves could reach up to 3 meters.

In Hokkaido’s Nemuro area, waves between 30 to 40 centimeters have already been observed, with stronger waves expected.

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba formed a task force to assess the situation, prioritizing human safety. All staff at Fukushima Daiichi and Daini nuclear power plants were moved to higher ground as a precaution, with no abnormal conditions reported by the plant operator TEPCO.

US West Coast Watches Closely

The quake’s impact extended to the western United States, prompting high-level tsunami warnings in Hawaii and parts of southern and southeastern Alaska, advising immediate evacuation to higher ground. California, Oregon, and Washington states were issued lower-level advisories due to strong currents and dangerous waves.

Hawaii’s Governor Josh Green ordered immediate evacuations in major areas of Oahu, including the capital Honolulu. Predicted tsunami waves in Hawaii range between 3 and 10 feet.

Renowned seismologist Dr. Lucy Jones stated that while the tsunami may cause damage to ports and coastal properties in Hawaii and California, large-scale human casualties on the US mainland are unlikely. Former US President Donald Trump urged citizens to stay alert and safe via social media.

The US Tsunami Warning Center also warned that waves up to 3 meters could reach as far as Ecuador.

The Kamchatka Peninsula lies within the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” a region known for high seismic and volcanic activity. Powerful earthquakes and volcanic eruptions frequently occur here.