8.7 Earthquake Strikes Off Russia’s Far East, Tsunami Advisories Issued

An 8.7 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Russia’s remote Kamchatka Peninsula late Wednesday, prompting tsunami advisories across the Pacific.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the quake occurred about 85 miles (136 kilometers) from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky at a depth of 19 kilometers.

Following the quake, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued a tsunami watch for Hawaii and a tsunami advisory for portions of Alaska’s Aleutian Islands. Japan’s Meteorological Agency also placed coastal regions under a tsunami advisory, warning that waves up to 1 meter could reach the country’s shores.

“Based on the preliminary earthquake parameters, widespread hazardous tsunami waves are possible,” the center said in a statement.

The Kamchatka Peninsula lies within the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area known for frequent seismic and volcanic activity. Early reports from RIA News said residents on Sakhalin Island, southwest of the epicenter, were being evacuated as a precaution, according to Sakhalin Governor Valery Limarenko.

This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

Credit: CNN Newsource

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