Powerful earthquake in Russia's far east sparks tsunami alerts

A powerful earthquake struck off the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia, initially recorded at a magnitude of 7.5 but later assessed at 8.0. then 8.8 by the USGS. The quake, occurring around 11:30 AM local time, has prompted tsunami alerts for Russia’s Far East, Japan, Alaska, and Hawaii.

The Russian emergency agency declared, “An absolute tsunami alert on the coast of Avacha Bay!” The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center has issued a Tsunami Watch for Hawaii and an advisory for Alaska's Aleutian Islands. Further updates are expected as the situation develops.