Daijiworld Media Network- Petropavlovsk
Petropavlovsk, Jul 30: A powerful 8.8-magnitude earthquake struck off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula on Wednesday, triggering tsunami waves of up to 4 metres and prompting large-scale evacuations across the Pacific, including in Japan and Hawaii.
The quake struck at a shallow depth of 19.3 km, about 119 km southeast of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. It was followed by a strong aftershock measuring 6.9. Authorities confirmed several injuries in Kamchatka, with some residents hurt while fleeing and a woman injured inside the region’s new airport terminal.
Kamchatka Governor Vladimir Solodov described it as the strongest quake in decades. The Russian Academy of Sciences confirmed it was the region’s most powerful since 1952.
Japan’s Meteorological Agency issued tsunami warnings and ordered evacuations across coastal areas. Waves of up to 3 metres were expected, and TV broadcasters urged people to reach higher ground. In Hokkaido, residents and workers evacuated to hills.
Hawaii also issued evacuation orders, with the Honolulu Emergency Management Department warning of destructive waves. Coastal residents were told to seek shelter on higher floors or leave danger zones.
Russia’s Ministry for Emergency Situations reported partial flooding at the Severo-Kurilsk port and a fish processing plant. The population was safely evacuated.
Aftershocks continue in the region, but authorities said no stronger quakes are expected. Kamchatka lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire, known for frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity