A magnitude-8.0 earthquake struck waters near Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula on Wednesday, triggering immediate tsunami warnings across Japan's coastal regions. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) upgraded its alert to a tsunami warning, predicting waves as high as 3 meters could hit Hokkaido and northern Honshu within hours.
Residents in affected areas were urged to evacuate to higher ground, with authorities activating emergency response systems. The quake, centered in the Pacific Ocean, has raised concerns about potential disruptions to shipping lanes and regional infrastructure. No significant damage has been reported in Russia's Far East so far.
This marks Japan's first major tsunami warning since 2016, reviving memories of the 2011 Tohoku disaster. Experts emphasize that while current wave projections are lower, vigilance remains critical. The JMA continues to monitor tidal gauges and issue updates as the situation evolves.
