A powerful undersea earthquake off the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia has triggered widespread evacuation orders across multiple countries as authorities anticipate potential tsunami waves.
Japan has issued evacuation notices affecting more than 1.9 million residents, urging those living along the eastern coastline to seek refuge in higher elevations. Numerous wave observations have been reported along the entire Pacific coast of Japan, with meteorological officials predicting wave heights of up to three meters.
On Hawaii, emergency shelters have been opened and evacuation orders implemented, following warnings from the governor who cautioned that tsunami waves are expected to impact the islands. Residents are also being directed to seek higher ground. Evacuations have similarly commenced along the US West Coast.
Initial reports from Kamchatka indicate injuries resulting from the earthquake, although no fatalities have been confirmed thus far. Tsunami warnings of varying intensities have been issued across parts of China, the Philippines, Indonesia, Guam, Peru and the Galapagos Islands off the coast of Ecuador. The full extent and potential for destruction from the anticipated tsunami waves remain uncertain at this time.
