Europe Asia News

The U.S. Geological Survey reported that a tsunami warning was issued on Wednesday for Pacific islands, Russia, and Japan after the strong earthquake off Kamchatka.

The quake was shallow and strong enough to trigger waves or a tsunami.

Valery Limarenko, the Governor of Russia’s Sakhalin Region, announced on his Telegram channel that the first tsunami wave hit the coastal area of Severo-Kurilsk.

“The first tsunami wave hit the coastal area of Severo-Kurilsk. Residents remain in elevated areas until the threat of additional waves completely subsides,” Limarenko said.

According to the Ministry of Emergency Situations, the disaster flooded the city and the Alaid fishing enterprise.

Russia appears to be the worst-hit country so far by the massive quake, with damage reported near the epicenter close to Kamchatka. Footage shows a damaged kindergarten and waves advancing inland in a nearby port town. Waves as high as four meters were also reported in remote areas.

Japan’s NHK television reported that the first tsunami waves reached the coast of Hokkaido in northern Japan and measured about 30 cm.

Authorities in many countries have warned that subsequent waves could be much higher.