Massive Earthquake Triggers Tsunami Alerts Across Russia, Japan, and Beyond
Moscow – A powerful 8.8-magnitude earthquake struck off the Russian coast on Wednesday, leading to tsunami waves impacting regions in Russia and Japan. The quake was one of the largest on record, particularly affecting the far-eastern Kamchatka region, where waves reached heights of 4 meters (13 feet). Severely affected was Severo-Kurilsk, a port town in the Sakhalin region, prompting the evacuation of its 2,000 residents as reports of flooded buildings surfaced on social media.
As tsunami alerts spread globally, the U.S. Tsunami Warning Centers issued warnings for Hawaii, Alaska’s Aleutian Islands, and parts of California, with anticipated wave heights of up to 3 meters (9.8 feet) along with lower-level advisories for Washington and Oregon. The National Weather Service urged residents to evacuate in areas at risk, with the first waves expected around 7:10 p.m. local time.
Japanese authorities also issued warnings, forecasting waves of up to 3 meters. Residents were advised to evacuate to higher ground as the Japan Meteorological Agency cautioned that tsunamis could strike multiple times. Footage confirmed that initial waves of about 30 cm (1 foot) were observed in Hokkaido.
Alerts have additionally been issued for the Philippines, Indonesia, and Taiwan. The earthquake’s epicenter was recorded 136 kilometers (85 miles) east of the city of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky in Russia, with the U.S. Geological Survey rating it among the strongest quakes in decades. Local officials reported injuries but no serious casualties.
Tsunami expert Robert Weis emphasized the potential destructiveness of the waves, reiterating the necessity for preparedness and caution. As nations brace for possible aftereffects, affected areas remain on high alert.
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