Tsunami waves have reached the US west coast following a powerful 8.8 magnitude earthquake that struck off Russia’s eastern Kamchatka Peninsula on Wednesday, prompting widespread tsunami alerts across the Pacific.
The earthquake, which occurred at approximately 11:25 a.m. local time (00:25 BST), is among the most powerful ever recorded in the region. Its impact triggered panic and evacuations across several countries, including Japan, Russia, and the United States.
In the immediate aftermath, tsunami warnings were issued for large swathes of the Pacific Rim, with alerts stretching from the Russian Far East to the Hawaiian islands and parts of the US coastline. Although the alerts have since been downgraded in Russia, Japan, and Hawaii, the initial alarm forced nearly two million residents in Japan to evacuate coastal areas as a precaution.
Russian authorities evacuated the town of Severo-Kurilsk on the Kuril Islands after tsunami waves as high as four metres (13 feet) flooded the port. Emergency responders are currently assessing the extent of damage in the area.
Eyewitnesses have described scenes of chaos during the earthquake. “Chaos broke out, furniture started falling before our eyes,” one resident told the BBC, recalling the terrifying moments as the quake struck.
On the US west coast, emergency services have been monitoring wave activity closely. While there have been no immediate reports of damage or casualties, coastal communities have been urged to remain vigilant as officials assess the ongoing threat.
Seismologists are continuing to track aftershocks and monitor sea levels, while regional governments remain on high alert in the event of further seismic activity.
More updates to follow as the situation develops.
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