A strong earthquake measuring a magnitude of 8.7 struck off the coast of the Kamchatka peninsula, located in Russia’s Far East, on Wednesday morning. This seismic event triggered tsunami alerts and warnings in Japan and Hawaii.
The tremor occurred at a shallow depth of 19.3 km (12 miles), according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). Japan’s Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued a tsunami warning, stating that waves of up to 3 meters (nearly 10 feet) could reach areas along Japan’s east and northeast coasts. The JMA advised citizens to avoid entering the sea or approaching the coast until the warning is lifted, emphasizing that tsunami waves would strike repeatedly.
In a separate update, the JMA warned that tsunami waves were approaching the coasts, urging everyone to evacuate as quickly as possible.
Sergei Lebedev, the regional minister for emergency situations in Kamchatka, informed that a tsunami measuring between 3-4 meters was recorded in certain parts of Kamchatka. He implored residents to move away from the shoreline.
The earthquake occurred approximately 250 kilometers (160 miles) away from Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, and was only felt slightly. The US Tsunami Warning System issued a warning of “hazardous tsunami waves” along parts of the Russian and Japanese coasts in the coming hours.
A low-level tsunami watch has also been issued for the US state of Hawaii, Guam, and other islands in Micronesia.
Kamchatka’s governor, Vladimir Solodov, stated that the earthquake was severe and the strongest in decades. While there were no reported injuries, a kindergarten did sustain damage.
Russia’s Ministry for Emergency Services mentioned that a tsunami wave up to 32 cm (1 foot) high might reach the Kamchatka coast, urging people to stay away from the coastline.
The governor of Sakhalin, an island across from Kamchatka, declared an evacuation order for the town of Severo-Kurilsk.
The affected region, including Kamchatka, Russia’s Far East, and Japan, falls within the Pacific Ring of Fire. This region is known for its high seismic activity, prone to large earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
This report is ongoing and more updates will follow.
Edited by Wesley Rahn
Source: https://www.dw.com/en/japan-issues-tsunami-warning-urges-evacuations-after-powerful-earthquake-strikes-off-russia-s-far-east-coast/a-73459025?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf
