A powerful 8.8-magnitude earthquake struck near Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, triggering tsunami waves up to 5 meters (16 feet) and prompting widespread evacuations, including in Hawaii and Japan. “Today’s earthquake was serious and the strongest in decades,” said Kamchatka Governor Vladimir Solodov, noting it was the most powerful since 1952.

The quake damaged buildings and injured several people. One resident shared, “It felt like the walls could collapse any moment. The shaking lasted continuously for at least 3 minutes.” In Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, doctors performed surgery during the tremors. Waves flooded the town of Severo-Kurilsk and swept boats ashore.

Tsunami warnings reached across the Pacific. Hawaii saw waves up to 1.7 meters, causing flight delays and harbor evacuations. Japan reported three tsunami waves, the highest being 1.3 meters. A woman in Mie prefecture died while evacuating. TEPCO evacuated the damaged Fukushima nuclear plant as a precaution.

Russia’s Ministry for Emergency Services confirmed no major casualties but noted minor damage, including to a kindergarten. “Aftershocks are ongoing,” said geophysicist Danila Chebrov, “but stronger tremors are not expected.” The region lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire, known for frequent seismic activity.