7.8-Magnitude Earthquake Triggers Pacific Tsunami Warnings Including Alaska and Hawaii
NOAA warns Hawaii is under threat as tsunami watches extend to Alaska's Aleutian Islands in the wake of the Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky quake
A massive 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck near Russia's east coast Thursday, triggering tsunami warnings for Hawaii, Alaska and other parts of the Pacific. The quake occurred near the Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky region, off Russia's east coast, at 2:58 p.m. ET.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's tsunami warning system said Hawaii is under threat from potentially dangerous waves, and two tsunami watches were issued for Alaska's Aleutian Islands, the closest U.S. territory to the quake.
Authorities urged residents and travelers in affected areas to monitor official updates and follow guidance from emergency management officials. The situation remains fluid, and officials cautioned that tsunami activity can vary with time and location. No immediate details about damage or casualties were available.
The quake's location in the Kamchatka region places it within one of the world's most seismically active zones, a reminder of the Pacific's ongoing hazard. Scientists will analyze seismic data in the hours ahead to assess aftershocks and any potential tsunami impact, though officials stressed that such waves depend on rupture size, depth and ocean-floor topography.
This is a developing story; more updates will follow as information becomes available.