Tsunami Warnings Issued After 8.8 Quake Hits Russian Far East

A powerful earthquake with a magnitude exceeding 8.8 struck off the coast of Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, marking the most intense seismic event recorded worldwide since 2011. The tremor occurred 136 kilometres east of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

Tsunami warnings have been issued across the Pacific, affecting coastal areas in Russia, Japan, and the United States. The U.S. Tsunami Warning Center stated that Alaska, Hawaii, and the western coast of the U.S. may experience hazardous waves. Guam and parts of Micronesia have also been placed under tsunami watch.

The Japan Meteorological Agency warned that waves up to three metres could reach several coastal regions, advising people to remain away from the shore. Authorities across the region urged residents in vulnerable coastal zones to move to higher ground and monitor emergency instructions.

Meanwhile, the Klyuchevskoy volcano in Kamchatka erupted, sending ash clouds as high as three kilometres into the sky. The Kamchatka Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT) reported that the ash plume had drifted 58 kilometres eastward. Officials warned that the volcano remained highly active, with further explosive eruptions and ash emissions reaching altitudes of up to eight kilometres possible.

Lava is reportedly nearing the crater’s brim, raising concerns about upcoming lava flows. An orange aviation alert has been issued for the area, although major international air routes do not cross the region.

No casualties or property damage have been reported so far. Seismic and volcanic monitoring teams are closely observing developments and assessing the potential for aftershocks and further volcanic activity.