8.8-Magnitude Earthquake Triggers Pacific Tsunami Warnings, Mass Evacuations

A powerful magnitude 8.8 earthquake struck near Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula, triggering tsunami waves up to 4-5 meters that impacted Russia, Japan, Hawaii, and other Pacific coastal regions. The quake caused damage and injuries in Russia, particularly in the Kuril and Kamchatka areas, where evacuations and a state of emergency were declared. Japan ordered the evacuation of nearly two million residents along its Pacific coast as a precaution, with concerns heightened by memories of the 2011 tsunami disaster. In Hawaii, officials issued evacuation orders and urged residents to seek higher ground, though initial waves caused minimal damage. Tsunami warnings extended across the Pacific, including the U.S. West Coast, Alaska, and multiple Pacific island nations, with emergency responders on standby and ongoing aftershocks raising further concerns. Authorities emphasized the continued risk and the necessity for vigilance and preparedness amid this significant seismic event.