A powerful 8.8 magnitude earthquake has struck near the Kamchatka Peninsula in eastern Russia. As a result of the tremors, a state of emergency has been declared in the region, and the shaking was felt over wide areas.
The editorial office reports that, according to information released by CNN International, the earthquake recorded in Kamchatka is among the strongest tremors recorded globally since the 2011 disaster in Japan, and since 1952 in Russia. As the earthquake's epicenter was located at sea, a tsunami threat has emerged. The United States is also expected to be affected by this earthquake.
According to official sources, tsunami waves have already reached the coastal regions of Japan. The waves are also reported to be approaching the Hawaiian Islands, hitting the coast in some areas. Evacuation measures are being taken in coastal regions. A state of emergency has been declared on the island.
During the earthquake, it was reported that doctors in a Kamchatka hospital continued a surgical operation without interruption despite the incident. Images circulated on social media were met with great admiration by the Russian public.
Search and rescue operations are currently ongoing in the region. Although local authorities have not provided precise information regarding casualties and damage, international observers state that the scale of the incident is serious.
Russia and other Pacific Ocean countries have moved to a high state of readiness in coastal areas. Warnings and evacuation calls continue due to the possibility of tsunami waves reaching new areas.
Sevinj Karimova