USA coastline sees ocean swell after Russia quake as Japan ends tsunami threat

At approximately 11:25 AM local time on Wednesday (00:25 BST), a colossal undersea earthquake struck off the eastern coast of Russia near the Kamchatka Peninsula. With a magnitude of 8.8, it is now classified as the sixth most powerful earthquake in recorded history, sending shock waves—not just geologically, but also across international emergency systems.

Tsunami waves after Russia quake

The quake, which originated deep beneath the Pacific Ocean, set off a chain reaction of tsunami warnings and evacuation orders spanning multiple continents. Within hours, waves were detected moving toward Japan, Hawaii, and the US West Coast, prompting rapid response measures and widespread public alerts.

In the tense hours following the quake, more than two million people across the Pacific region were instructed to evacuate low-lying coastal areas. Emergency services and disaster response teams were activated in numerous countries. Tsunami advisories and alerts were issued in China, the Philippines, Indonesia, New Zealand, and even as far as Latin America, including Peru, Chile, and Mexico.

Despite the widespread concern and emergency readiness, the worst-case scenario did not unfold. In Hawaii, where residents and tourists braced for impact, many expressed a sense of relief. “The disaster we were expecting did not come,” one tourist told the BBC, nearly half a day after the tremor struck. While waves did reach several coastlines, there have been no reports of significant damage or casualties at this time.

The Russian government confirmed that there have been no fatalities or serious injuries as a result of the earthquake or the subsequent tsunami waves. Civil defense agencies in Japan and the US also began lifting their alerts after evaluating the reduced threat levels.

Scientists and seismologists are continuing to monitor aftershocks, but for now, the most dangerous phase of this seismic event appears to be over.

As international tsunami warnings are gradually being withdrawn, authorities are urging the public to remain cautious and alert for any potential aftershocks or localized wave activity. Many Pacific nations have praised the swift coordination of early warning systems, which allowed for timely evacuations and minimized risk to human life.

Our live coverage is now concluding, but we will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates should any new developments arise.

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