Earthquake shallow and powerful enough to trigger waves or tsunami
An 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck off Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula on Wednesday, generating tsunami warnings across the Pacific Ocean region, the US Geological Survey (USGS) said.
The epicenter was located at a depth of 20.7 kilometers (12.8 miles) and was centered 119 kilometers (73.9 miles) east-southeast of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, it said.
The Russian Academy of Sciences said it was the strongest quake to hit the region since 1952.
The earthquake was shallow and powerful enough to trigger waves or a tsunami.
Kamchatka Governor Vladimir Solodov said on Telegram that the earthquake "was serious and the strongest in decades of tremors."
Several people in Kamchatka were injured after the earthquake, regional health minister Oleg Melnikov told Russia’s state news agency Tass.
Tass separately reported that some 2,700 people were evacuated to safe areas in the Kuril Islands after the powerful earthquake.
“All patients are in satisfactory condition. No serious injuries have been recorded at the moment," Melnikov was quoted as saying.
An evacuation order was declared for the small town of Severo-Kurilsk in the Sakhalin region following a tsunami warning.
Tsunami waves inundated parts of the city of Severo-Kurilsk after the powerful earthquake, RIA Novosti reported, citing Russia's Emergency Situations Ministry.
A state of emergency was declared in Severo-Kurilsk after the earthquake, Tass reported.
- Tsunami warning in effect in Hawaii, California
The US Tsunami Warning System issued a warning of tsunami waves along some coasts of Russia, Japan, Alaska and Hawaii.
US President Donald Trump said a tsunami warning is in effect for those living in the state of Hawaii due to "a massive earthquake" that occurred in the Pacific Ocean.
"A Tsunami Watch is in effect for Alaska and the Pacific Coast of the United States. Japan is also in the way," he said on his Truth Social platform.
The Honolulu Department of Emergency Management called for the evacuation of some coastal areas in Hawaii.
"Take Action! Destructive tsunami waves expected," it said on X.
The National Weather Service San Francisco Bay Area said a tsunami advisory was in effect for the California coast.
"Stay away from the water! Stay away from beaches and waterways! Remain away from shore until local officials say that it is OK to return," it said on X.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom later said a tsunami warning is in effect along parts of California’s North Coast — from Cape Mendocino to the Oregon border.
Newsom said his office is coordinating with local officials.
"Please stay alert and follow instructions from emergency personnel," he said on X.
The US Coast Guard Oceania issued an order for all commercial vessels to evacuate all commercial harbors in Hawaii.
"All harbors are closed to incoming vessel traffic," it said on X.
Hawaii Gov. Josh Green said a "significant" wave is expected after the earthquake.
"So everyone has to continue to be vigilant," Green said at a news conference.
- Japan, Indonesia issue tsunami warnings
Japan and Indonesia also issued tsunami warnings after the powerful earthquake, prompting urgent calls for coastal evacuations.
The Japan Meteorological Agency warned that tsunami waves up to three meters could strike areas from Hokkaido to Wakayama and the Ogasawara Islands, according to Kyodo News Agency.
A 30-centimeter wave was already observed in Nemuro, eastern Hokkaido, at 10.30 am (0130GMT)
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi called for immediate evacuation to higher ground while railway service was also suspended in some areas.
Indonesian authorities also issued a tsunami alert and advised residents near the coast to seek higher ground.
The Indonesian Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency said the earthquake had the potential to trigger a tsunami in several regions of the country with an alert status or wave heights of less than 0.5 meters, according to state-run Antara News Agency.
