Kamchatka: A strong earthquake of magnitude 8.8 on the Richter Scale hit Russia's far eastern Kamchatka Peninsula on Wednesday, triggering Tsunami warnings in the northern Pacific region. The extent of damage in the area is yet to be known. Emergency services have been pressed into action to carry out rescue and relief operations.
As per the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the epicentre of the earthquake was at a depth of 74 km and was located 133 km southeast of Petropavlovsk‑Kamchatsky. Several scary videos showing buildings shaking surfaced online. So far, there are no reports of any injuries or casualties due to the earthquake.
A Tsunami alert has also been sounded in Alaska in the United States and in Japan. The Japan Meteorological Agency said a first tsunami wave of about 30 centimetres reached Nemuro on the eastern coast of Hokkaido.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre said a tsunami had been generated by the quake that could cause damage along the coastlines of all the Hawaiian islands, reported The Associated Press.
"Urgent action should be taken to protect lives and property," the warning stated. The first waves were expected around 7 pm. Tuesday local time.
Meanwhile, the Japan Meteorological Agency stated that a tsunami of one metre may reach Japan following the tremors, Kyodo News reported.
According to the USGS, the quake occurred as a result of shallow reverse faulting, as the Pacific plate moves west-northwest with respect to the North American plate at about 77 mm per year, while the North American plate extends westward beyond the North American continent.
