• Source:JND

Russia earthquake news:  A powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck off the coast of Russia’s Far Eastern Kamchatka Peninsula on Thursday, forcing authorities to issue tsunami warnings for vast stretches of the North Pacific, including parts of Alaska. The US Geological Survey (USGS) said the quake occurred at a shallow depth of just 10 kilometers, with its epicenter about 128 kilometers east of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, the regional capital.

Tsunami Waves Reported in Russia

Officials in Russia’s Kamchatka region confirmed that waves measuring between 3 and 4 meters were observed in some coastal settlements. Emergency services ordered the immediate evacuation of residents in several vulnerable towns, including Severo-Kurilsk.

Regional Governor Vladimir Solodov urged calm, noting that residents were being notified through sirens and public announcements. “This morning is once again testing the resilience of Kamchatka residents. A tsunami warning has been issued for the east coast. The public is being alerted,” he said on Telegram messaging app.

In the United States, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center and NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) issued advisories for parts of Alaska, particularly the Aleutian Islands. The first wave activity was projected to reach Shemya, Alaska around 12:25 AKDT. Authorities clarified that while Alaska remained under advisory, there was no immediate threat of hazardous tsunami waves to Hawaii, American Samoa, Guam, Rota or Saipan.

Japan’s Meteorological Agency reported “slight sea level fluctuations” across a tsunami forecast zone stretching from eastern Hokkaido to the Ogasawara Islands, southeast of Tokyo. So far, there have been no reports of injuries or significant damage in Japan.

Social media posts from the region showed homes shaking, chandeliers swaying, and even parked cars rocking back and forth during the tremors. Many residents rushed outdoors as aftershocks rippled through the peninsula

ALSO READ: Russia Earthquake: 6.3 Magnitude Quake Strikes Off Kuril Islands, Fourth Major Seismic Activity In August Sparks Fear

Quake Highlights Kamchatka’s Vulnerability

This latest quake follows a series of major tremors in August that raised concerns about escalating tectonic activity in the region. Kamchatka Peninsula and the Kuril Islands are located along the Pacific Ring of Fire, the world's most seismically active place.

A series of powerful earthquakes in recent weeks:

• September 13: 7.1 Magnitude Quake Hit Kamchatka Region

• July 30: An enormous 8.8 earthquake hit the Far East, the largest since 1952, prompting an eruption of the Klyuchevskoy volcano and canceling flights.

• August 3: A 6.7 earthquake shook the Kuril Islands, leading to temporary evacuations.

• August 5: A 5.1 earthquake caused a tiny tsunami that submerged a fish harbor and knocked out power.

• August 15: A 6.0 quake shook Kamchatka, calling forth an initial state of emergency and drill evacuations.

• August 19: A 6.3 earthquake shook off the Kuril Islands, contributing to increasing concern.

• August 25: A 6.1 earthquake rattled the region east of the Kuril Islands, as recorded by the US Geological Survey.

ALSO READ:Russia Earthquake: 6-Magnitude Quake Hit Kamchatka Region, Third Major Tectonic Activity In August Sparks Alert

Authorities in both Russia and the United States confirmed that all emergency services remain on high alert as aftershocks continue. International monitoring agencies are keeping a close eye on sea levels and further seismic activity in the North Pacific. While there are no immediate reports of casualties or major structural damage, experts warned that the situation remains fluid. Evacuations in low-lying areas of Kamchatka will remain in place until the risk of tsunami waves subsides.