Japan, US Issue Tsunami Warnings After Massive 8.8 Earthquake Near Russia

Japan’s Pacific coastline and Hawaii have been placed on high alert after an 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck near Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula on Wednesday. The earthquake, which occurred around 126km from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky at a depth of 18km, has led to tsunami waves and urgent evacuation orders.

Japanese officials, citing data from their Meteorological Agency, reported the first wave reaching Hokkaido’s northern coast before 10:40 am local time. The wave measured around 30cm, with slightly higher waves of 40cm observed in Tokachi, also in Hokkaido.

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US Tsunami Warnings Extend from Hawaii to the West Coast

Across the Pacific, the United States issued a tsunami warning for Hawaii, forecasting “destructive” waves as high as 3 meters. The island of Oahu, including Honolulu, began immediate evacuations as a precaution. Authorities in Alaska, California, Oregon, and Washington were also put on alert, with the National Weather Service expecting waves to reach California by 11:50 pm local time.

Residents in affected US regions have received emergency alerts instructing them to stay away from the coast, even though no evacuations have been issued outside Hawaii.

Russia Confirms 3–4 Meter Waves, Minor Damage

Russia’s Far East region of Kamchatka felt the brunt of the quake. According to Sergei Lebedev, the regional emergency minister, waves as high as 4 meters hit the coast, damaging a local kindergarten. Fortunately, there are no reports of injuries so far.

Kamchatka’s Governor Vladimir Solodov confirmed in a public statement that the quake was “the strongest in decades.”

Earthquake Among the Most Powerful Ever Recorded

Helen Janiszewski, a geophysics expert at the University of Hawaii, told the BBC that this earthquake ranks among the top ten most powerful ever documented. According to the US Geological Survey, it ties with the 2010 Chile and 1906 Ecuador quakes as the sixth most severe in recorded history.

Global Authorities Remain on High Alert

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba emphasized that evacuation remains the top priority, warning that multiple tsunami waves could occur. “Do not leave high ground until all warnings are officially lifted,” he urged.

As the situation continues to unfold, coastal regions across the Pacific remain on alert for further wave activity over the next 36 hours.

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