A powerful 8.8-magnitude undersea earthquake struck off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula on Wednesday, unleashing tsunami waves that battered the coastlines of eastern Russia and Japan. The quake, one of the most powerful recorded globally, hit at a depth of 19 kilometres and was centred about 125 kilometres southeast of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky.
The tremor, located approximately 250 kilometres from Japan’s Hokkaido, prompted immediate tsunami alerts across the region. Waves as high as 4 metres were reported along parts of the Russian coastline, causing structural damage and flooding. Viral footage shared online showed buildings near the Russian coast submerged by surging seawater.
Russia’s emergency services swiftly issued evacuation orders in high-risk areas. In Severo-Kurilsk, residents were ordered to leave their homes. Kamchatka Governor Vladimir Solodov confirmed in a video statement, “Today’s earthquake was the strongest in decades.”
Japan also braced for impact. The national broadcaster NHK and the Japan Meteorological Agency warned that tsunami waves of up to 3 metres could strike northern and eastern regions, with possible reach as far south as Wakayama, near Osaka. The agency advised coastal residents to move to higher ground, fearing that larger waves might follow.
Reports also emerged of environmental damage, with BNO News noting that four whales had washed ashore on the Japanese coast in the aftermath of the tsunami.
Tsunami alerts were extended beyond Asia. The U.S. Geological Survey confirmed it as the sixth-largest earthquake ever recorded. Authorities in the United States placed Hawaii, Guam, and parts of Alaska and the Pacific Coast under tsunami watches.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump posted a message on Truth Social urging caution:
“Due to a massive earthquake that occurred in the Pacific Ocean, a Tsunami Warning is in effect for those living in Hawaii. A Tsunami Watch is in effect for Alaska and the Pacific Coast of the United States. Japan is also in the way. Please visit tsunami.gov/ for the latest information. STAY STRONG AND STAY SAFE!”
As aftershocks continue to rattle the region, both Russian and Japanese authorities are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating ongoing evacuation and relief efforts.
