A powerful magnitude 8.8 earthquake struck off the east coast of Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula on Tuesday, prompting tsunami warnings and widespread evacuations across the Pacific. The U.S. Geological Survey said the quake hit about 85 miles offshore at a depth of nearly 12 miles. It is among the most powerful earthquakes ever recorded by the agency.
Aftershocks measuring 6.3 and 6.9 were also reported in the region.
Warnings across the Pacific
The National Weather Service issued a tsunami warning for Northern California, from Cape Mendocino to the Oregon border, and advisories for the rest of the California coast, Oregon, and Washington. Officials warned that the first waves could reach California around 11:50 p.m. local time and Los Angeles close to 1 a.m.
“Residents and workers in and around the L.A. Harbor area are urged to stay alert, avoid the waterline, and follow official instructions,” said L.A. Mayor Karen Bass. Huntington Beach and Orange County parks officials closed piers and beaches out of caution.
President Donald Trump posted on social media urging people to “STAY STRONG AND STAY SAFE” and to follow updates on tsunami.gov.
A Tsunami Watch is out for our coastal areas. As more information comes in, we will either see this become a Warning, an Advisory, or an Information Statement. Stay tuned for updates. https://t.co/a5BRD08RxO pic.twitter.com/8UKWk2Ee7v
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