Tsunami warning issued after powerful 8.8 magnitude earthquake hits far eastern Russia

Arab Weather - The Global Seismological Observatory recorded an 8.8-magnitude earthquake on the Richter scale this morning, Tuesday, July 30, that struck the coast of the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia's Far East. The earthquake occurred at a depth of approximately 19.3 kilometers, which enhances its strength and impact on the surface.

After the earthquakes, the magnitude estimates were revised from 8.0 to 8.7 and eventually to 8.8, which is considered one of the strongest earthquakes recorded globally (among the six strongest since 1900).

Tsunami warning

The earthquake was followed by a tsunami and waves up to 3–4 meters high in areas such as the Kuril Islands and the Kamchatka Peninsula, causing damage to some buildings and facilities such as a kindergarten and a port in the city. Coastal evacuation warnings and advisories were issued in several countries such as Japan, Alaska, Hawaii, the West Coast of the United States, Canada, Taiwan, Indonesia, New Zealand, and China.

The highest waves recorded were around 3 meters in Japan, and waves as high as 40 cm actually reached Hokkaido and parts of Iwate, and reached up to 60 cm in areas of the Russian Kuril Islands.

Latest statistics and direct impacts

The area reported minor damage to some buildings and facilities, such as the kindergarten and the port. Some people reportedly sought medical attention for injuries sustained during evacuation or flight. No deaths have been reported so far. The regional governor described the earthquake as "the most serious in decades" and urged residents to stay away from the coast and heed official warnings.