A massive 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Russia’s eastern Kamchatka Peninsula on Tuesday, triggering a tsunami warning for surrounding areas including parts of Japan, Alaska, and the Pacific Ocean region.
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake occurred at a depth of around 30 kilometers beneath the ocean floor. The tremor was felt across Russia’s Far East, sending shockwaves through coastal towns and prompting widespread evacuations.
Authorities in Russia quickly issued a tsunami alert, warning of potentially dangerous waves reaching up to 3 meters (10 feet). Local residents have been urged to move to higher ground, and emergency services are on high alert.
There are no immediate reports of casualties or major damage, but officials say they are still assessing the situation. Japan’s Meteorological Agency and the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center are closely monitoring the wave activity and advising caution in vulnerable coastal zones.
The quake is one of the strongest to hit the region in recent years, raising concerns of potential aftershocks.
