8.8 magnitude earthquake hits Russia as US, others issue evacuation orders over Tsunami
A powerful tsunami struck parts of Russia and Japan on Wednesday following a magnitude 8.8 earthquake in the Pacific Ocean near the Kamchatka Peninsula.
In Russia’s Far East, the tsunami hit the coastal town of Severo-Kurilsk in the northern Kuril Islands, prompting the evacuation of over 2,500 residents to higher ground. According to Sakhalin Region Governor Valery Limarenko, emergency services remain on high alert, and residents are staying in safe zones until the threat is fully cleared.
The Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations has deployed response teams to assess damage and provide relief. While there were no immediate reports of fatalities, the Alaid fish processing plant in Severo-Kurilsk was submerged, and all employees were safely evacuated. Drone footage showed streets flooded and buildings damaged, though only minor injuries have been reported.
The earthquake generated tsunami waves up to four meters high across the Pacific, prompting widespread alerts. In Japan, waves as high as 1.3 meters were recorded along the eastern coast, with evacuation advisories issued for more than 1.9 million people across 21 prefectures.
In Hawaii, waves reached up to four feet in some areas. Governor Josh Green urged residents to stay away from the coast due to risks of flooding and property damage.
Tsunami warnings have also been issued for the U.S. West Coast, including California, Oregon, and Washington, with waves expected along coastal areas.
Other countries under tsunami advisories include the Philippines, Indonesia, Taiwan, Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Mexico, and New Zealand.
Authorities across the affected regions continue to monitor the situation and coordinate emergency responses.
