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Tsunami alerts issued across Pacific after powerful 8.8 magnitude quake off Russia
A powerful earthquake struck off the coast of Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula late on Tuesday, July 29, triggering tsunami alerts across the Pacific region. The 8.8-magnitude quake, occurring at a depth of 18.2 kilometers and approximately 126 kilometers from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, marks the strongest seismic activity in the area since 1952, according to regional seismology services.
Widespread tsunami warnings
The United States Tsunami Warning Center issued alerts for several Pacific nations, cautioning that waves between one and three meters in height could impact areas such as French Polynesia, Hawaii, and parts of Russia. Specifically, waves up to 2.6 meters are expected to hit the Marquesas Islands in French Polynesia, while other archipelagos, including the Society Islands, could experience waves under 30 centimeters.
New Caledonia and Wallis and Futuna have also been warned of potential waves ranging from 30 centimeters to one meter above sea level. In the United States, the Pacific coastline from Alaska to California, including Hawaii, is under varying levels of alert.
Emergency measures in affected regions
In Russia, authorities declared a state of emergency on Wednesday in the northern Kuril Islands. The quake prompted evacuations in nearby areas, with residents in cities such as Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky moving to safer locations.
In Japan, the earthquake led to emergency responses, particularly in northern Hokkaido, where a 30-centimeter tsunami was first observed. Increased warnings were issued for waves potentially reaching up to three meters, prompting evacuations by vehicle and on foot to higher ground.
Historical context and regional impact
This earthquake is the most significant to strike the Kamchatka region in more than 70 years. The Pacific remains one of the most seismically active areas globally, with heightened risks of tsunamis following major undersea quakes.
The situation continues to evolve as authorities across the Pacific monitor wave surges and coordinate responses to protect coastal populations.
