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NATIONAL NEWS AND VIDEOS - A massive earthquake struck Russia early today, registering a magnitude of 8.8 and triggering tsunami waves that reached Japan, Alaska and parts of the Pacific.
The quake, centred near the Kamchatka Peninsula, prompted tsunami warnings across a vast area, from Hawaii and the Americas to islands stretching toward New Zealand.
Russia’s emergencies ministry reported flooding in the port town of Severo-Kurilsk, where about 2 000 residents were evacuated. Although several people were injured, none sustained serious injuries.
The Geophysical Service of the Russian Academy of Sciences confirmed it was the strongest quake to hit the Kamchatka region since 1952, when a similarly located nine-magnitude earthquake unleashed a devastating tsunami across the Pacific.
At least six aftershocks have followed the initial earthquake, including tremors measuring 6.9 and 6.3 in magnitude.
VIDEO: New drone footage from the tsunami-hit Russian town of Severo-Kurilsk as floodwaters began to recede. Video on X
New drone footage from the tsunami-hit Russian town of Severo-Kurilsk as floodwaters began to recede this afternoon. pic.twitter.com/3KVNrda2BK
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According to Al Jazeera, authorities in Russia’s far eastern Sakhalin region have declared a state of emergency in the northern Kuril Islands, where tsunami waves have damaged buildings and caused flooding.
“A state of emergency has been declared in the North Kuril District, where an earthquake and tsunami occurred today,” the Sakhalin government said in a statement.
In Taiwan, the Central Weather Administration has warned that the island’s south coast could experience waves of 30cm to 1m at about 05:30 (GMT). Other parts of Taiwan will experience waves of less than 1m, the agency said. Taiwan lies to the southwest of Japan, close to Okinawa and other outlying islands.
The US National Weather Service has issued a tsunami warning from Cape Mendocino to the California–Mexico border, cautioning of strong currents that could endanger swimmers, boats and coastal infrastructure. While widespread flooding is unlikely, surges may damage harbours and loosen boats from their moorings. A tsunami warning means significant inundation is possible.
This morning on X, United States President Donald Trump said a Tsunami warning is in place for Hawaii. “A Tsunami watch is also in effect for Alaska and the Pacific Coast of the United States. Japan is also in the way,” he said.
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USGS has upgraded the earthquake to a massive 8.7 magnitude!
The powerful quake struck off the eastern coast of Russia.
There is a serious tsunami threat.
Japan, Hawaii, and Alaska are on high alert.
Story still developing...#earthquake #tsunami… pic.twitter.com/VeVHRghHhY
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