A powerful 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck off Russia’s eastern coast overnight, triggering tsunami threats across the Pacific. According to BBC News, the first waves reached Hawaii, where a 4-foot (1.2m) surge was recorded off Oahu.
Authorities had already urged Hawaiian residents to evacuate coastal areas as the threat quickly escalated.
One of the Strongest Quakes Ever Recorded
This earthquake ranks as the sixth-strongest in recorded history. In Petropavlovsk, Russia, a kindergarten collapsed during the tremor, injuring several people. Meanwhile, tsunami waves crashed into the coastal town of Severo-Kurilsk.
Oleg Melnikov, regional health minister, confirmed to state agency TASS that injuries occurred both indoors and while residents attempted to flee. One person even jumped out of a window. Thankfully, all victims are in stable condition, and no critical injuries have been reported.
