Global (Commonwealth Union) _ A powerful 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck Russia’s Far East on Wednesday, triggering tsunami warnings across the Pacific Ocean and prompting evacuations in multiple countries, including Japan, Hawaii, and French Polynesia. The earthquake, which was centred east-southeast of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky on the Kamchatka Peninsula, is currently one of the strongest recorded globally since Japan’s 2011 catastrophe.
Russian ports and Kuril Islands fishing towns experienced waves ranging from 2 to 4 meters high that swept vessels out to sea and flooded facilities. While local officials have reported structural damage along with several injuries, no fatalities have yet been confirmed. Meanwhile, drone footage from Severo-Kurilsk records a submerged shoreline with waves exceeding 5 meters.
Japanese coastal towns on Hokkaido and Iwate have also listed waves rising up to 1.3 meters, with authorities issuing evacuation orders, leading to thousands heading inland to seek shelter. While there have not been reports of serious injuries or damage, officials have observed that the tsunami waves could remain hazardous for over 24 hours, advising civilians to proceed with caution.
Hawaii, upon facing waves from Midway Atoll, has activated high-water rescue vehicles as well as helicopters as a precautionary step. Traffic gridlock spread across Honolulu, even in areas distant from the coast. Governor Josh Green warned the tsunami had the potential to be a “longitudinal wave with great force” capable of pushing water deep into populated areas.
Further afield, Oregon, British Columbia, and California also saw smaller wave surges, with local authorities urging residents to avoid beaches and harbours. Similar warnings have been issued by the Philippines, New Zealand, and Mexico, with caution being paid regarding unpredictable currents.
Residents on the Marquesas Islands in French Polynesia have also been ordered to reach higher ground, as waves are expected to reach heights of around 2.5 meters. Several smaller waves have already struck Nuku Hiva, with more expected to come.
The Pacific Ring of Fire, where the earthquake happened, is notorious for its intense tectonic activity. According to observations made by Russian scientists, the earthquake would be the strongest experienced by Kamchatka since 1952. Shortly after the quake, the Klyuchevskoy volcano erupted, prompting emergency crews to continue their work despite the tremors.
Authorities across the region remain vigilant, monitoring the aftershocks of the quake as well as secondary waves.
