Image Source : heraldcorp
A significant earthquake measuring 8.8 on the Richter scale struck Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula on Wednesday. Following this event, tsunami waves reaching heights of up to 4 meters impacted the area, as reported by the news agency Reuters.
The US Geological Survey indicated that the earthquake occurred at a depth of 19.3 km, resulting in multiple injuries. Seismologist Shinichi Sakai from the University of Tokyo informed NHK that even earthquakes occurring at a distance can generate tsunamis in Japan if the epicenter is relatively shallow.
Beyond Japan, the impact of the earthquake and tsunami is being felt across the Pacific. Tsunami warnings have been issued for Hawaii and parts of Alaska, with advisories in effect for much of the US West Coast. According to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, waves of 1 to 3 meters (yards) above tide level are possible along some coastal areas of Hawaii, Chile, Japan, and the Solomon Islands. Waves exceeding 3 meters are possible along some coastal areas of Russia and Ecuador, according to a report by the Associated Press.
The magnitude 8.7 earthquake is the strongest to hit the region in decades, according to Reuters. Kamchatka Governor Vladimir Solodov described the quake as “serious” and the strongest since 1952.
The region lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a seismically active area prone to frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
Authorities in affected areas are urging residents to evacuate immediately to higher ground and stay away from coastal regions and river areas until the tsunami warnings are lifted. The situation remains dynamic, and residents are advised to closely monitor official alerts and sirens and follow emergency instructions.
(Newsroom staff only edited this story for style from a syndicated feed)
