Massive 8.8 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Russia, Tsunami Reaches U.S.

A powerful 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck Russia’s eastern Kamchatka Peninsula, making it the sixth-strongest earthquake in modern history. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake occurred at 4:54 AM IST on July 30. The quake's epicenter was at a depth of 19.3 kilometers below the surface.

Reuters reported tsunami waves as high as 5 meters hitting parts of Kamchatka, causing structural damage to multiple buildings. Kamchatka Governor Vladimir Solodov called it the strongest earthquake in decades and confirmed damage to a kindergarten school.

Japan’s NHK television reported that the first tsunami waves, about one foot high, reached the country’s eastern coastline. In response, Japan ordered the evacuation of 2 million people from Tokyo and shut down its Fukushima nuclear reactor as a precaution.

Tsunami waves also reached U.S. coastal regions including Alaska, Hawaii, and California, prompting warnings and evacuation efforts in some areas.