Massive Quake Sparks Pacific Tsunami Alerts, Injuries

A massive earthquake measuring between 8.7 and 8.9 in magnitude struck off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula and the Kuril Islands, triggering tsunami warnings and widespread evacuations across Russia, Japan, Hawaii, the US West Coast, Guam, Micronesia, and other Pacific areas. Tsunami waves as high as 4 meters inundated port towns like Severo-Kurilsk and parts of Kamchatka, causing significant coastal damage and flooding. Several injuries were reported in Russia's Far East, though no fatalities have been confirmed. Emergency services evacuated thousands to higher ground, and video footage showed submerged buildings in affected Russian towns. Japan’s Hokkaido saw tsunami waves of about 30 centimeters, with warnings for possible higher waves along its northern and eastern coasts. Authorities across the Pacific remain on high alert for potential further threats.