A powerful magnitude 8.8 earthquake struck the eastern part of the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia today, July 30 (PH time), according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
The quake occurred at a depth of 20.7 kilometers and was located approximately 119 kilometers east of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky.
Due to the strength of the tremor, authorities in Japan, Alaska, Hawaii, and parts of the Pacific Islands issued tsunami advisories.
The Japan Meteorological Agency warned of potential tsunami waves reaching up to 1 meter along some of Japan’s coastal areas.
A tsunami warning of up to 3 meters has been issued along Japan's Pacific coast
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The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency also issued a tsunami watch as a precautionary measure due to potential impacts along its coastline.
Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLS) also issued tsunami warnings in several areas.
Experts noted that the earthquake is part of ongoing seismic activity along the Kuril-Kamchatka Trench, a known subduction zone in the region. Prior to today’s main quake, a magnitude 7.4 foreshock was recorded on July 20.
Authorities have advised residents in affected areas to remain alert and closely follow official advisories, as aftershocks and further damage remain possible.
