BREAKING: Powerful tsunami strikes Russia, Japan after 8.8 magnitude earthquake

A devastating tsunami struck parts of Russia and Japan on Wednesday, following a powerful 8.8-magnitude earthquake in the Pacific Ocean near the Kamchatka Peninsula.

In Russia’s Far East, the coastal town of Severo-Kurilsk in the northern Kuril Islands was hit, prompting the evacuation of over 2,500 residents to higher ground. Governor of the Sakhalin Region, Valery Limarenko, confirmed that emergency services remain on high alert, with residents staying in safe zones until the situation stabilizes.

Response teams from the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations have been deployed to assess the impact and provide relief. Although no fatalities have been reported, the Alaid fish processing plant was submerged. All staff were safely evacuated. Drone footage from the area showed flooded streets and damaged buildings, with only minor injuries recorded.

The undersea earthquake generated tsunami waves as high as four meters, triggering widespread alerts across the Pacific region. In Japan, waves of up to 1.3 meters were observed along the eastern coast. Authorities issued evacuation advisories affecting more than 1.9 million residents across 21 prefectures.

In Hawaii, waves reached up to four feet in some areas. Governor Josh Green urged residents to avoid the coastline due to potential flooding and property damage.

Tsunami warnings were also issued along the U.S. West Coast, including California, Oregon, and Washington, as waves are expected to impact coastal communities.

Countries currently under tsunami advisories include the Philippines, Indonesia, Taiwan, Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Mexico, and New Zealand.

Authorities across affected regions continue to monitor the situation and coordinate emergency response efforts.

BBC