A powerful earthquake measuring up to 8.7 on the Richter scale struck off the coast of Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, triggering tsunami alerts for coastal areas of Russia, Japan, Alaska, and Hawaii. The Russian emergency agency issued an absolute tsunami alert for the coast of Avacha Bay, warning of potentially hazardous waves. The Japanese Meteorological Agency also issued a tsunami advisory for wide areas along Japan’s Pacific coast.
Residents reported strong shaking during the initial tremors, which caused furniture to rattle, household appliances to fall, and car alarms to activate. Walls collapsed at a kindergarten in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, according to videos from the scene, though no casualties have been confirmed. The Emergency Situations Ministry (EMERCOM) said the quake’s intensity reached 8 points in parts of the city.
In the Kuril Islands, a tsunami threat was declared following seismic activity near Severo-Kurilsk, located on Paramushir Island. Sakhalin Region Governor Valery Limarenko confirmed that evacuations are underway in the area as a precaution.
The Japan Meteorological Agency has also issued a tsunami advisory for wide areas along Japan’s Pacific coast, stretching from Hokkaido to Kyushu. The authorities have urged residents in coastal regions to remain alert and evacuate low-lying areas if necessary. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued Tsunami Advisories for Alaska’s Aleutian Islands and the entire state of Hawaii.