Pacific tsunami alert issued after massive 8.8 quake hits Russia

Russia earthquake tsunami triggers waves over 4 meters, evacuation orders in Hawaii, Japan. 8.8 magnitude quake is strongest in the region since 1952

Russia earthquake tsunami alerts swept across the Pacific early Wednesday after a colossal 8.8-magnitude quake struck off the coast of Russia’s Far East one of the strongest earthquakes ever recorded.

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The shallow tremor, centered 119 km southeast of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, rocked buildings and sent tsunami waves over 4 meters (13 feet) crashing into Kamchatka and the Kuril Islands.

In Severo-Kurilsk, a port town, waves flooded facilities and displaced vessels, with four distinct tsunami waves reported.

“This was the strongest in decades of tremors,” said Kamchatka Governor Vladimir Solodov, calling the quake “serious.” Russian seismologists confirmed it as the most powerful to hit the region since 1952.

Across the Pacific, Hawaii issued urgent evacuation orders, and tsunami alarms were triggered in coastal towns across Japan, where memories of the devastating 2011 tsunami remain fresh.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center reported waves of up to 1.7 meters (5.5 feet) striking the Hawaiian Islands.

“Take action! Destructive tsunami waves expected,” warned Honolulu’s emergency management agency. Flights were canceled in Maui, and the U.S. Coast Guard ordered ships out of harbors.

Japan also issued evacuation orders for tens of thousands of residents, as tsunami waves of up to 3 meters threatened the eastern coastline. NHK warned such waves can carry deadly debris and damage lightweight structures.

In Russia, several people sought medical attention, and some infrastructure was damaged, including a kindergarten and the Sakhalin power grid, which lost electricity. Authorities advised residents to avoid using gas stoves due to potential carbon monoxide risks.

The USGS described the quake as shallow just 19.3km deep and confirmed multiple strong aftershocks reaching 6.9 magnitude.

Despite its power, experts said the shaking intensity was moderate due to specific geological factors. “Aftershocks are ongoing, but stronger tremors are unlikely,” said Danila Chebrov of the Kamchatka Geophysical Service.

The Russia earthquake tsunami threat extended as far as Ecuador, Chile, and the U.S. West Coast, where smaller waves were expected.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning System warned of “hazardous tsunami waves” affecting coastlines across the region.

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This seismic activity occurred along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region notorious for earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. With global monitoring on high alert, emergency services remain vigilant as aftershocks continue.

Quadri Olaitan