Kamchatka Governor Issues Tsunami Warning After 7.2-Magnitude Quake Strikes Coast

Lead A 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck near Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky on Thursday morning, prompting regional authorities to issue a tsunami warning for Russia’s Pacific shoreline and nearby islands.

Nut Graf The powerful tremor, felt across eastern Kamchatka, spurred rapid activation of the Pacific Tsunami Service and local emergency agencies. Officials warned residents to move to higher ground and stay away from beaches as wave impacts remain uncertain.

Main Developments

• Quake Details
• Epicenter located 150 km east of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky at a depth of 20 km.
• Initial magnitude reports ranged from 7.2 to 7.4 before being standardized at 7.2.
• Tsunami Warning Actions
• The Pacific Tsunami Service issued alerts for coastal evacuation.
• Shoreline communities instructed to remain indoors on upper floors or head inland.
• Monitoring buoys and tide gauges activated to track wave heights.
• Regional Impact
• No immediate reports of casualties, but coastal damage assessments are underway.
• Ferry services suspended and port operations halted across Kamchatka.
• Ongoing Response
• Emergency crews deployed to patrol vulnerable shorelines.
• Hourly updates to be provided as sea-level readings become available.
• Residents urged to heed official advisories and avoid speculation on social media.

Subheading: Preparedness and Public Safety

• Evacuation Centers Opened
• Temporary shelters established in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky and Yelizovo.
• Communication Measures
• Text alerts and loudspeaker announcements in coastal towns.
• Next Steps
• Authorities will lift the warning once sensors confirm safe sea conditions.
• Full damage survey to begin as soon as the wave threat subsides.