8.7 magnitude earthquake near Russia, across the pacific, also affects Japan

A powerful earthquake shook a remote part of eastern Russia early Tuesday, triggering tsunami warnings for several Pacific regions. The quake, measured at 8.7 in magnitude, struck near Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula and has drawn concern from countries including Japan, the United States, and island nations across the Pacific.

Where the earthquake hit

According to the US Geological Survey, the earthquake struck about 85 miles off the coast of Kamchatka and was relatively shallow, about 12 miles deep. Though the area is sparsely populated, the size and nature of the quake made it dangerous, especially for places farther away along the Pacific Rim.

Warnings in Japan

Japan issued tsunami alerts for areas from the northern island of Hokkaido down to Kyushu in the south. The country’s weather agency warned that waves could reach up to 3 meters high, especially in some coastal areas by mid-morning local time. People were advised to stay away from beaches, rivers, and coastal zones.

Experts say even distant quakes can trigger tsunamis in Japan if they occur at shallow depths. Seismologist Shinichi Sakai explained that this quake fits that description, which makes it capable of sending large waves toward Japan’s shores.

Who else is watching the waves

Tsunami watches have been put in place for Hawaii, Guam, and other Pacific Islands including the Northern Mariana Islands—such as Rota, Tinian, and Saipan. Alaska’s Aleutian Islands are also on alert, especially near Samalga Pass.

Authorities in many areas are closely monitoring the ocean and urging residents to follow emergency instructions, stay informed, and prepare to move inland if needed.

So far, there have been no reports of deaths or serious injuries. In Russia’s Sakhalin region, however, a kindergarten building was damaged. The Governor of Kamchatka, Vladimir Solodov, called it the most powerful earthquake the area has experienced in decades. The town of Severo-Kurilsk was evacuated as a precaution.

This event is another example of how geologically active the Pacific “Ring of Fire” is—a zone known for frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity. Japan and Russia both lie on this belt, making them particularly vulnerable to such natural disasters.

Authorities across the Pacific are continuing to monitor the situation, and updates will follow if threats increase or change. For now, coastal residents are advised to stay alert and avoid unnecessary risks.