KAMCHATKA PENINSULA/TOKYO/ANCHORAGE – A powerful magnitude 8.7 earthquake struck off the coast of Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula on Wednesday morning, triggering tsunami waves between 3 and 4 meters along parts of the Russian Pacific coastline and setting off widespread tsunami warnings across the northern Pacific Rim.
According to Russia’s Ministry of Emergency Situations, no immediate casualties have been reported, but officials warned that low-lying coastal areas are at risk of flooding. Emergency services have been deployed across affected districts, and early images show heavy sea surges damaging fishing infrastructure in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, the regional capital.
Tsunami Alerts Across Pacific
The U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center issued tsunami warnings for Alaska and Hawaii, warning of the potential for hazardous waves and strong currents reaching American shores within hours. Alaskan emergency agencies have already begun evacuations in Kodiak, Sitka, and other vulnerable areas, while Hawaiian officials urged coastal residents to remain alert and prepare for potential inland movement.
In Japan, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba confirmed that the government had activated its full emergency protocol. Evacuation orders have been issued for dozens of coastal municipalities, particularly along the eastern and northern seaboard.
“We are currently assessing the full extent of the situation,” Ishiba said in a televised address. “Our primary objective is the protection of human lives. We urge everyone under evacuation to move to higher ground and avoid all coastal areas until further notice.”
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) said tsunami waves of up to 1.5 meters could reach northeastern prefectures, including Hokkaido and Aomori, within the next several hours. Local transport authorities have suspended train services and flights along coastal routes as a precaution.
Seismic Activity and International Monitoring
The quake struck at approximately 09:42 local time off the east coast of the Kamchatka Peninsula, at a depth of approximately 24 kilometers, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and corroborated by Russia’s Seismological Center.
International monitoring agencies, including those in South Korea, Canada, and New Zealand, have been placed on heightened alert as oceanic wave activity is tracked across the Pacific. So far, no abnormal wave behavior has been reported in Southeast Asia or Oceania.
No Confirmed Damage Yet, But Situation Fluid
While Russian and Japanese authorities say no major structural damage has yet been confirmed, the situation remains fluid. Officials stress that aftershocks are likely and secondary waves may continue to strike over the next 12–24 hours.
“The first tsunami surge is not always the largest,” warned a spokesperson from the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center. “Communities should stay evacuated until the all-clear is officially given.”
Further updates are expected throughout the day as assessments continue and relief efforts are mobilized in the affected zones. (zai)
Sources: Russian Emergency Ministry, Japan Meteorological Agency, US Geological Survey, NHK, Al Jazeera, Reuters, AP, local news reports from Kamchatka and Alaska.