Strongest earthquake in decade hits Kamchatka, tsunami threat declared
Photo: strongest earthquake in a decade strikes Russia’s Far East (Getty Images)
The Kamchatka Peninsula has been struck by the most powerful earthquake in the past decade. The quake damaged administrative infrastructure in the region, and a tsunami warning has been issued, according to Russian media.
The first tremors were felt in the city of Severo-Kurilsk at around 11:30 AM local time.
According to eyewitnesses, furniture shook, goods fell off store shelves, household appliances toppled, and car alarms began to sound.
Preliminary estimates from seismologists put the quake’s magnitude at up to 7.9.
Russian media reported that earthquakes were also felt in Severo-Kurilsk and Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, with some districts of Petropavlovsk experiencing tremors rated 7–8 on the intensity scale.
Sakhalin Region Governor Valery Limarenko announced that a tsunami threat had been declared, and residents were being evacuated to higher ground from potentially dangerous areas.
"Emergency services are operating at full capacity. The situation is under control. All necessary measures are being taken to ensure people’s safety and restore normal life in the region," he wrote.
Damage report: kindergarten
Kamchatka Krai Governor Vladimir Solodov confirmed that the region experienced the strongest tremors in a decade.
"A tsunami threat has been declared. The potential wave height is being assessed. I urge everyone to stay away from coastal areas in tsunami-risk zones and to follow instructions broadcast via loudspeakers," Solodov stated.
One notable incident occurred at Kindergarten No. 15 “Rodnichok” in Severo-Kurilsk, where part of the building’s facade collapsed. Fortunately, no children were inside at the time, renovation work was underway, and the workers managed to evacuate safely.
Tsunami threat and aftershocks
Following the powerful earthquake, the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued a tsunami warning for the Alaska Peninsula.
Japan’s Meteorological Agency also reported a tsunami threat along parts of its coastline.
Meanwhile, according to Russian media, the first tsunami waves have already reached the shores of Severo-Kurilsk.
In addition, a new aftershock with a magnitude of 5.8 has struck Kamchatka, further raising concerns about the stability of the region.
Earthquakes worldwide
The previous major earthquake on the Kamchatka Peninsula occurred on August 17, 2024, with a magnitude of 7.2. That quake triggered an eruption of the Shiveluch volcano, which sent an ash plume soaring 8 kilometers into the sky.
Unusual seismic activity is also being observed in Ukraine, a country not typically considered a seismically active region.
On July 29, an earthquake was recorded in the Chernivtsi region.
Just two days earlier, on July 27, a magnitude 3 quake struck near Poltava, according to the Richter scale.
