A powerful 8.8-magnitude earthquake struck off Russia’s far eastern Kamchatka Peninsula early Wednesday, setting off tsunami warnings across the Pacific, including in parts of the United States.
The quake hit around 1:35 a.m. local time, about 81 miles east-southeast of Ust-Kamchatsk, at a depth of 62 kilometers, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. It is one of the strongest earthquakes recorded globally in recent years.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) issued alerts for Hawaii, Alaska, California, Oregon, and Washington, warning of possible hazardous waves. While tsunami waves did reach several locations, including the U.S. and Japan, the warnings were gradually downgraded as no major damage occurred.
In Alaska’s Aleutian Islands, waves exceeding three feet were recorded. Residents were urged to move to higher ground, but no injuries or structural damage were reported. Hawaii also saw minor wave activity, prompting shoreline alerts.
Russia’s Emergency Ministry reported that waves between 1.5 and 2.3 meters (5 to 7.5 feet) hit the Kuril Islands. In Severo-Kurilsk, evacuations were carried out and schools were closed. No casualties were confirmed.
Kamchatka Governor Vladimir Solodov told state media, “Today’s earthquake was serious and the strongest in decades of tremors.”
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated there were no reported fatalities in Russia and credited “solid building construction and the smooth operation of alert systems” for limiting the impact.
Residents described the shaking as intense and frightening. A local from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, quoted by Reuters, said: “It felt like the walls could collapse any moment. The shaking lasted continuously for at least three minutes.”
Meanwhile, tsunami warnings in the U.S. were later downgraded to advisories. Authorities along the Pacific Coast advised people to avoid beaches and harbors due to the risk of dangerous currents.
The earthquake also triggered volcanic activity in the region. Russia’s Institute of Volcanology and Seismology confirmed that the Karymsky volcano began erupting shortly after the quake. While eruptions in the area are not unusual, scientists are monitoring for any connections to the seismic event.
Officials from NOAA and the U.S. National Weather Service continue to monitor wave patterns and coastal activity. They warned that ocean currents may remain strong for several hours even after tsunami alerts are lifted.
This event serves as a reminder of the constant seismic threat around the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” where tectonic activity is frequent. Emergency response agencies urged residents in coastal zones to remain alert and follow local guidance during future warnings.
