A powerful 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, triggering tsunami waves that have affected parts of Russia, Japan, and the United States.
The quake occurred 136 kilometers east of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky in Russia’s Far East, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS).
Following the quake, Japan’s Meteorological Agency issued tsunami advisories along much of its eastern coastline, warning of waves reaching up to 3 meters (about 10 feet) in height. Similar alerts were issued for Taiwan, the Philippines, Hawaii, and Alaska’s Aleutian Islands, along with advisories for much of the US West Coast.
The US National Weather Service in the San Francisco Bay Area reported rapid changes in water levels of up to 61 centimeters (2 feet), especially near Monterey Bay. These tidal fluctuations may continue through the morning as tsunami waves travel across the region.
Japan’s public broadcaster NHK later reported that some tsunami warnings were downgraded to advisories, but alerts remain active for parts of Hokkaido and the Tohoku region. Authorities have urged residents to stay cautious until all warnings are officially lifted.
