Massive Kamchatka Quake Spurs Surgery and Tsunami Alerts

An 8.8-magnitude earthquake, the strongest in Kamchatka since 1952 and one of the most powerful globally since 1900, struck off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula. During the quake, surgeons at the Kamchatka oncology center in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky continued a high-risk operation, securing their patient as the operating room shook, with viral footage highlighting their composure. Regional authorities announced that the medical team would receive state awards for their bravery. The earthquake triggered tsunami warnings across the Pacific, including Japan, Hawaii, Alaska, and the U.S. West Coast, but only minor waves and limited damage were reported. The event also caused local building damage and a volcanic eruption in Kamchatka, though no deaths have been confirmed. Officials are continuing to monitor the situation and advise caution as assessments continue.