Tsunami Threats Trigger Widespread Evacuation After 8.8-Magnitude Quake Hits Kamchatka

A significant 8.8 magnitude earthquake off the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia has triggered widespread tsunami alerts across the Pacific region. The quake, noted as the strongest since 1952, led to waves up to 5 meters high, causing substantial damage and injuries in the remote area.

Authorities across the Pacific, including in Hawaii, Japan, and French Polynesia, issued tsunami warnings. While Japan and Hawaii later downgraded their warnings, French Polynesia remained on high alert, particularly for the Marquesas Islands, anticipating waves up to 4 meters.

Kamchatka's local infrastructure bore the brunt of the disaster, with buildings damaged and the shoreline submerged. The quake highlights the seismic volatility of the Pacific Ring of Fire, prone to frequent earthquakes and eruptions, leaving communities on edge as aftershocks continue.

(With inputs from agencies.)