Alerts, volcano and evacuation: Tsunami warnings lifted in most nations after 'strongest' earthquakes hit Russia; here's what to know
By the following day, the threat had substantially diminished after the 8.8-magnitude earthquake, which originated near the coastline of Russia's Far East, specifically the Kamchatka Peninsula.
The impact was minimal, with no significant destruction reported, leading to the withdrawal of tsunami alerts in most regions. Nevertheless, Chile escalated its warning to maximum level in the early hours of Wednesday along most of its extensive Pacific shoreline, initiating the relocation of hundreds of residents.
What we know:
Strongest earthquake
The 8.8-magnitude earthquake, which occurred early Wednesday local time, ranks amongst the four most intense seismic events of this century, as confirmed by the USGS.
According to Simon Boxall, who serves as a principal teaching fellow at the University of Southampton's Physical Oceanography Research Center, this event stands as the sixth most powerful earthquake ever documented.
The primary earthquake, followed by subsequent aftershocks reaching up to 6.9 magnitude, occurred within the Pacific Ring of Fire.
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This region, characterised by seismic faults encircling the Pacific Ocean, experiences over 80% of the world's major earthquakes due to the convergence of multiple tectonic plates. The presence of numerous volcanoes in this zone gives it its distinctive name.
This seismic event triggered multiple tsunamis that spread from the epicentre near Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula, although not all earthquakes result in such oceanic disturbances.
"It's a bit like throwing a very, very large rock into the sea and then watching the waves propagate away from that rock, that splash," Boxall said. "And so that's what's happened in this case. And that's why this particular one has generated a tsunami. It's not huge. It's not one that's going to cause mass devastation. But it will cause coastal flooding and it will cause damage, and it does put lives at risk if people don't move to high ground.
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Volcano eruption
Kamchatka, known as the 'land of fire and ice,' is one of the world's most volcanically active regions, with 29 active volcanoes among its 300. Positioned near a tectonic trench, it frequently experiences earthquakes and tsunamis. The 1,200-km peninsula, facing the Pacific Ocean, has a sparse population mostly centered in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. Fishing dominates the economy, and a key Russian nuclear submarine base lies in Avacha Bay.
The towering Klyuchevskaya Sopka, the Northern Hemisphere's largest active volcano, recently showed signs of eruption. Nearby, the Kuril Islands—claimed by both Russia and Japan—remain a geopolitical flashpoint and host military outposts and fishing communities.
Tsunami in Russia, US and Japan
Tsunami measurements showed heights of 3 to 4 metres in Kamchatka, while San Francisco experienced waves of 2 to 5 feet early Wednesday. Other locations reported lesser wave heights.
Initial assessments from the International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed no safety concerns at Japanese Pacific coast nuclear facilities. The Russian territories nearest to the epicentre reported some damage and implemented evacuations, with emergency declarations in multiple areas. Several minor injuries occurred, but no significant structural damage was noted.
Further aftershocks remain possible, and northern California coastal areas continue under tsunami advisory.
Tsunami alert
Hawaiian emergency services utilise multiple communication channels, including mobile alerts, television, radio and siren networks. Alaskan communities rely on sirens and information via weather or public radio broadcasts.
The US National Weather Service categorises alerts into three levels:
— A warning indicates an expected or occurring tsunami capable of widespread flooding. People should evacuate to higher ground or move inland.
— An advisory signals potential strong currents or hazardous waves, requiring people to avoid water activities and stay clear of beaches and waterways.
— A watch indicates tsunami possibility and the need for preparedness.
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