8.8 Magnitude Earthquake Off Russia Triggers Widespread Tsunami Warnings Across Pacific

8.8 Magnitude Earthquake Off Russia Triggers Widespread Tsunami Warnings Across Pacific
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A colossal 8.8-magnitude earthquake, among the strongest ever recorded, struck off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula early Wednesday, prompting immediate tsunami warnings and advisories across a vast swathe of the Pacific, including Alaska, Hawaii, Japan, and the U.S. West Coast, The Independent reported.

The shallow tremor, occurring about 119 kilometers (74 miles) east-southeast of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, generated significant tsunami waves. In Russia’s Far East, particularly Severo-Kurilsk, waves reportedly reached 3-5 meters (10-16 feet), causing flooding and structural damage, with minor injuries from evacuations.

Hawaii faced widespread tsunami warnings, urging coastal evacuations. Sirens sounded across Oahu, and airports on Maui were temporarily closed, though Honolulu’s main airport continued staggered operations. Initial waves observed at Midway Atoll were 1.8 meters (6 feet) from peak to trough, with authorities emphasizing that tsunamis comprise multiple waves.

Japan’s Meteorological Agency issued advisories for its Pacific coast, predicting waves up to 3-4 meters (10-13 feet). Workers at the Fukushima nuclear plants were evacuated as a precaution. On the U.S. West Coast, tsunami warnings were issued for Northern California and advisories for Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia, with calls for people to avoid beaches and harbors due to dangerous currents.

Aftershocks up to magnitude 7.5 are anticipated in the Kamchatka region for at least a month. Emergency services across the Pacific remain on high alert, continuously monitoring the situation and urging vigilance as the threat of subsequent waves persists.