A powerful 8.8-magnitude earthquake struck off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula on Wednesday, causing widespread tsunami warnings and evacuations across the Pacific region. The quake generated tsunami waves up to 13 feet (4 meters) high, impacting several areas including Japan’s Pacific coast and the US state of Hawaii.
Impact in Japan and Hawaii
In Japan, residents swiftly evacuated to higher ground as tsunami alerts revived traumatic memories of the 2011 Fukushima disaster. Japan’s meteorological agency issued a tsunami advisory cautioning about waves along its eastern coast. Simultaneously, Hawaii’s Governor Josh Green urged people not to put themselves in danger and prepared for possible rescue efforts as tsunami waves approached.
Warnings and Responses
The US Pacific Tsunami Warning Center confirmed the earthquake’s occurrence near Kamchatka at 1:25 p.m. HST and warned that waves as high as 10 feet could hit Hawaii. In addition, tsunami advisories were issued for Alaska and parts of the US West Coast, including California, where officials closely monitored the situation.
Local Damage and Traffic
Drone footage revealed flooding in Russia’s Severo-Kurilsk town, highlighting the quake’s devastating impact on local infrastructure. Traffic congestion increased across Hawaii as residents moved to safer zones.
Global Concern
The earthquake has renewed global concern about seismic hazards in the Pacific Ring of Fire. Authorities continue to assess damage and monitor the potential for aftershocks.
Stay tuned to Questiqa World News for more latest updates.
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