MOSCOW: A powerful earthquake measuring over 8.7 in magnitude at Richter scale struck off the coast of Kamchatka in Russia’s Far East, making it the strongest seismic event recorded globally since 2011.
Tsunami warning was issued for coastal areas across the Pacific, including Russia, Japan, and the United States. The US National Tsunami Warning Center has also issued advisories for Alaska, Hawaii, and the West Coast.
The quake strikes 136km east of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky in Russia’s far east, according to US Geological Survey.
Authorities in the affected regions are urging residents in low-lying coastal areas to stay alert, move to higher ground, and follow local emergency instructions. Seismic monitoring agencies are continuing to assess the potential for tsunami waves and aftershocks.
The Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency said in a social media post that the quake may be strong enough to “generate destructive waves” in Hawaii.
There have been no reports of damage or casualties so far.
The Kamchatka branch of Russia’s Ministry for Emergency Services said on Telegram that a tsunami wave up to 32 cm (1 foot) high may reach the coast.
The Japan Weather Agency said it expected a tsunami of up to 1 metre (3.3 feet) to reach large coastal areas starting around 0100 GMT.
The U.S. Tsunami Warning System also issued a warning of “hazardous tsunami waves” within the next three hours along some coasts of Russia and Japan. A tsunami watch was also in effect for the U.S. island territory of Guam and other islands of Micronesia.
Japan upgrades tsunami warning to 3 metres.
Japan Meteorological Agency says “tsunamis will strike repeatedly. Do not enter the sea or approach the coast until the warning is lifted”
Kamchatka and Russia’s Far East sit on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a geologically active region that is prone to major earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
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