Russia's Far East has been rocked by a powerful 8.7 magnitude earthquake, triggering a tsunami and prompting mass evacuations in several countries including Japan and Hawaii.
According to officials, the earthquake struck near the Kamchatka Peninsula, specifically 126 km east of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, a city of 165,000 residents. It had a depth of 19.3 km, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. As a result, a tsunami of 3-4 meters was recorded in some parts of Kamchatka.
The Japanese government ordered evacuations in several areas, after the Japan Weather Agency issued a tsunami warning that could reach up to 3 meters. In Hokkaido, residents and workers were reported to have fled to higher ground. NHK broadcaster said, "Please evacuate immediately and go to a safe place."
In Hawaii, the Department of Emergency Management issued a warning: "Take Action! Destructive tsunami waves expected." There was also an evacuation order in Severo-Kurilsk, according to Sakhalin Governor Valery Limarenko.
There were injuries reported during the chaotic evacuation. According to reports, most were injured while rushing to get out, and one person jumped from a window. However, officials said all patients were in safe condition.
