A map from the United States Geological Survey charts the earthquake that occurred off the east coast of Russia. United States Geological Survey
A powerful 8.7 magnitude earthquake struck early Wednesday off the coast of Russia’s remote Kamchatka Peninsula, sparking tsunami warnings and alerts across the Pacific region, including Japan, Alaska, Hawaii, and the US West Coast.
What Happened?
The quake hit about 85 miles (136 km) from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, a city in far eastern Russia. It struck at a depth of 19 kilometers, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), which initially rated it an 8.0 before upgrading it to 8.7.
This is the strongest earthquake recorded in the region since 2011, when a 9.0+ quake devastated northeast Japan.
Who’s Affected?
- Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula was the closest to the epicenter. Local authorities reported waves as high as 3 to 4 meters (10 to 13 feet) in some areas. Evacuations began on Sakhalin Island, just southwest of the epicenter.
- Japan issued tsunami warnings along its Pacific coastline. The Japan Meteorological Agency expects waves up to 1 meter and urged residents to stay away from beaches and low-lying areas between 10 and 11 a.m. local time.
- Alaska and Hawaii are also on alert. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said hazardous waves are possible across much of the northern Pacific Ocean.
- The US West Coast is under close observation, although no formal tsunami warning has been issued yet.
Current Status
So far, minimal damage has been reported in Russia, and no major injuries have been confirmed. Still, the real danger lies in the potential tsunami waves, which can arrive hours after the initial quake.
Why This Matters
This quake occurred along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region notorious for earthquakes and volcanic activity. It’s a stark reminder of how quickly nature can disrupt life, even in remote parts of the world.
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