An intense earthquake measuring 8.7 on the Richter scale struck near Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula early on Wednesday, triggering tsunami warnings across parts of the Pacific Ocean.
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake occurred at around 23:24 GMT on Tuesday.
The epicentre was located approximately 125 kilometres southeast of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, a major city in Russia’s far east.
Initially recorded as an 8.0 magnitude quake, the USGS later revised the figure to 8.7 based on new seismic readings.
The tremor originated at a depth of 19.3 kilometres, relatively shallow, raising the likelihood of strong surface-level shaking and tsunami activity.
Following the quake, authorities issued a tsunami alert for coastal regions bordering the Pacific, warning that destructive waves could reach parts of Russia and Japan within three hours.
Emergency officials urged residents in vulnerable coastal zones to seek higher ground and adhere to safety instructions issued by local authorities.
Shortly after the earthquake, several videos circulated on social media showing the extent of the tremor.
Some clips captured household items shaking violently, while others showed panic and apparent damage inside buildings in the Kamchatka region.
Initial reports suggest damage to infrastructure, though full evaluations are ongoing.
The quake struck close to Avacha Bay, an area with a history of seismic activity, situated along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a zone known for frequent and intense earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
Authorities across Russia and neighbouring countries remain on high alert, with emergency services monitoring developments closely.
Aftershocks are anticipated, and people in affected areas have been advised to remain vigilant and follow all official guidance.
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