A powerful 8.8-magnitude earthquake struck near Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky in Russia’s Far Eastern Kamchatka Peninsula early Wednesday, triggering tsunami waves up to 5 metres high and prompting evacuation alerts across the Pacific, including Hawaii, Japan, and the U.S. West Coast.
The shallow quake, the strongest in the region since 1952, according to Russia’s Academy of Sciences, caused damage to buildings and prompted medical emergencies in Kamchatka. In Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, residents described minutes-long tremors. Footage showed medics performing surgery as the ground shook beneath them.
In Severo-Kurilsk, tsunami waves flooded the port, swept vessels from docks, and submerged the shoreline, with verified drone footage showing water surrounding buildings and receding back into the ocean. Kamchatka Governor Vladimir Solodov called the quake “the most serious in decades.”
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center initially issued alerts across the region. In Hawaii, waves of up to 1.7 metres reached the shores before warnings were downgraded. Residents had been urged to seek higher ground or shelter in upper floors, while flights were suspended and ports cleared. Later, operations resumed at Honolulu Airport, though Maui’s airport remained temporarily closed.
Tsunami waves, though smaller, also reached California and British Columbia. In Japan, where memories of the 2011 disaster remain fresh, evacuation orders were issued in coastal areas. A woman died while evacuating in Mie Prefecture, and Nissan Motor temporarily halted operations at several factories. Authorities recorded three tsunami waves, the largest at 1.3 metres, but no major damage or injuries were reported.
The U.S. Tsunami Warning System said waves exceeding 3 metres were possible in parts of Russia, northern Hawaii, and Ecuador, while 1-3 metre waves threatened areas including Japan, Chile, and the Solomon Islands.
Russia’s Ministry of Emergency Services reported no fatalities, but said several people sought treatment and minor structural damage occurred, including at a kindergarten. Authorities urged caution and suspended gas usage in affected towns pending inspections.
Kamchatka lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a seismically active zone. Scientists say while the quake’s magnitude was immense, certain geological features reduced its surface shaking. Aftershocks are continuing, but stronger tremors are not expected. Russian and international agencies say the situation remains under control.
Written By Rodney Mbua
