Russian Kamchatka region hit by 8.8-magnitude earthquake, strongest since 1952! Causing multiple injuries and 3-4 meter tsunamis in some areas

July 30th, Hejun | A 8.8-magnitude earthquake struck the Kamchatka Peninsula area off Russia, the strongest since 1952. Russian official media reported that the earthquake caused multiple injuries.

This earthquake triggered a tsunami, with local media reporting that the Elizovsky district of Kamchatka Peninsula saw tsunamis reaching 3-4 meters. Emergency services said that the city of Severo-Kurilsk on the Kuril Islands was hit by the tsunami, and residents have been evacuated. Online footage shows buildings in this city of approximately 2000 residents being inundated.

Additionally, Japan's Meteorological Agency issued tsunami warnings and advisories to the Pacific side of Japan's main islands, affecting parts of the region on Wednesday. Some trains and flights were affected. Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirofumi Yoshimura stated at a press conference that high-speed highways have three sections closed to traffic, 41 train lines are suspended, and Sendai Airport has closed its runway. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism said that the airport's runway is temporarily closed, some flights canceled, and personnel and passengers have been evacuated from facilities.