A massive magnitude 8.8 earthquake struck off the coast of Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula on Wednesday, triggering tsunami warnings and widespread evacuations across the Pacific region.
The shallow quake, one of the strongest in recent years, sent 4-metre (13-foot) waves crashing into parts of the Russian Far East. In its wake, buildings were damaged and several people were injured in the isolated region, according to early local reports.
Japan and Hawaii on High Alert
Japan, still haunted by the catastrophic 2011 quake and tsunami, issued evacuation orders along much of its eastern seaboard. Coastal communities were urged to move to higher ground as a precaution.
In the U.S., the Hawaiian islands initiated emergency protocols. Authorities ordered coastal residents to evacuate to higher ground or move to the fourth floor or above in sturdy buildings. The U.S. Coast Guard instructed vessels to leave harbours immediately.
“Take Action! Destructive tsunami waves expected,” warned the Honolulu Department of Emergency Management on social media.
As of Wednesday evening, no significant tsunami waves had reached Hawaii, though emergency teams remained on high alert, and live feeds from the islands showed mostly calm seas near sunset.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center is continuing to monitor wave patterns as the situation unfolds.
🗞️ Stay with Onewave News for real-time updates as more details emerge.
