A powerful tsunami struck Russia’s Far Eastern coastal town of Severo-Kurilsk on Wednesday, following a strong earthquake near the Kamchatka Peninsula. The initial wave, reportedly reaching up to four meters, prompted the evacuation of over 2,500 residents to higher ground, according to Sakhalin Region Governor Valery Limarenko.
While no casualties have been reported so far, drone footage shows significant flooding in the town, with waves sweeping through streets and damaging buildings. The Alaid fish processing plant was completely submerged, though all employees were safely evacuated.
Governor Limarenko confirmed that emergency services are operating in high-alert mode and residents will remain at evacuation sites until the threat is fully lifted.
The tsunami triggered widespread alerts across the Pacific Rim, with warnings issued in Japan, the United States, the Philippines, Indonesia, Taiwan, Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Mexico, and New Zealand.
In Hawaii, waves of up to 4 feet were recorded in some areas, prompting state authorities to caution residents about potential flooding. Similar warnings were issued along the U.S. West Coast, including California, Oregon, and Washington.
Authorities across the region continue to monitor the situation closely.
