A powerful 8.8-magnitude earthquake struck near the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia’s far east on Wednesday morning. The quake triggered dangerous tsunami waves, some as high as 5 meters (16 feet). As a result, Hawaii and many Pacific countries were told to evacuate or prepare for disaster.
Major Earthquake Damages Russian Towns
The earthquake was mild, meaning it was close to the surface, which makes it more dangerous. Several buildings were damaged in Kamchatka, and many people were injured. Residents of the city of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky said the shaking lasted for several minutes.
“”I felt the building shaking and ran outside,” said local resident Yaroslav, 25. “It lasted for at least three minutes, and I thought the walls might collapse.”.”
According to Russian scientists, the earthquake was the most powerful in the region since 1952. Governor Vladimir Solodov called it the most powerful earthquake in decades.
Tsunami Waves Hit Coastal Areas
Tsunami waves hit the coastal town of Severo-Kurilsk, flooding a fish factory and sweeping boats away from docks. A total of four tsunami waves were recorded in the area, with the largest reaching 5 meters.
Authorities warned people not to return home until their buildings had been checked for safety. The mayor of Severo-Kurilsk also told people to avoid using gas stoves to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
Daily news reports confirm that power outages have occurred in some areas, such as Sakhalin, due to damaged power lines.
Hawaii and Japan Take Action
The powerful quake also triggered a Pacific tsunami warning in Hawaii. The US Coast Guard ordered ships to leave ports, and people were told to move to higher ground or the upper floors of tall buildings.
“Take action! Devastating tsunami waves are expected,” the Honolulu Department of Emergency Management warned.
Around 07:30 GMT, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said waves up to 1.7 meters (5.5 feet) had reached the Hawaiian Islands. Flights in and out of Maui were canceled. Governor Josh Green said there were no major wave impacts yet, but safety was the top priority.
Earthquake and tsunami warnings were issued along Japan’s Pacific coast. Tens of thousands of people were ordered to evacuate. In Hokkaido, people huddled under tents on rooftops, while fishing boats pulled out of ports to avoid damage.
Sadly, a woman in Japan died when her car fell off a cliff during an evacuation in Mie Prefecture.
Nuclear Plant Safety Measures
Workers were evacuated from the Fukushima nuclear plant, the same plant that suffered a major nuclear meltdown after a massive tsunami in 2011. So far, officials say there are no signs of damage to any nuclear facilities this time.
Nissan Motor has halted work at some Japanese factories to keep workers safe. Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said there were no reports of any casualties or property damage from the tsunami.
Global Tsunami Warnings Issued
The US Tsunami Warning System said dangerous tsunami waves could spread across the Pacific Ocean. Countries such as Japan, Hawaii, Chile, Ecuador and the Solomon Islands were warned of waves between 1 and 3 metres high. Russian emergency services also reported minor damage to buildings, including a kindergarten.
President Donald Trump shared an alert on social media saying that a tsunami warning is in effect for residents of Hawaii due to a strong earthquake in the Pacific Ocean.
Region Sits on Ring of Fire
Kamchatka and other nearby regions sit on the Pacific Ring of Fire, which is known for frequent earthquakes and volcanoes. Experts say aftershocks will continue for some time, but they do not expect a more powerful quake anytime soon.
“The earthquake was powerful, but the shaking was not as bad as expected due to the location of the epicenter,” said Russian geophysicist Danila Chebrov.
The situation is still under control, but people in the affected areas are being urged to remain alert.
