A powerful magnitude 8 earthquake hit off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula on Wednesday, triggering tsunami warnings from both Japan and the US Tsunami Warning Centre.
According to the US Geological Survey, the quake was shallow, occurring at a depth of just 19.3 kilometres (12 miles), which increases the risk of significant surface shaking and tsunami generation.
While the Japan Meteorological Agency warned that a tsunami up to 1 meter (3.28 feet) high could reach large coastal areas of Japan starting around 0100 GMT.
The US Tsunami Warning System also issued an alert for “hazardous tsunami waves” expected within the next three hours along some coastal regions of both Russia and Japan.
However, Russia’s regional governor said, citing preliminary reports, that no injuries have been reported so far from the earthquake. However, a kindergarten was damaged in the affected area.
Describing the quake as the “strongest in decades,” the governor declared a tsunami threat and urged people living near the coastline to move to safer areas immediately.
EVACUATION UNDERWAY IN SEVERO-KURILSK
Following the earthquake and tsunami threat, the evacuation of residents from Russia’s small town of Severo-Kurilsk in the Sakhalin region is underway, Sakhalin’s governor confirmed. Authorities are working quickly to ensure the safety of people in the area.
Authorities urged residents to stay alert and follow all emergency instructions.
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