Millions of Americans are under threat of a tsunami after a massive earthquake has struck off the coast of Russia.
Preliminary data from the US Geological Survey shows the quake reached a magnitude of 8.7 and struck about 84 miles east-southeast of Kamchatska at around 7.24pm EST.
A tsunami warning is now in effect for parts of Alaska‘s Aleutian Island, while a tsunami watch has expanded to cover the entire West Coast of the United States and Hawaii.
Authorities at the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center have warned that ‘a tsunami may have been generated by this earthquake that could be destructive’ to coastal areas.
It also warned that ‘waves reaching more than three meters above the tide level [or about 10 feet] are possible along some coasts of Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.’
The earliest such a tsunami could arrive in Hawaii would be 7.17pm, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser reports. In Alaska, a tsunami could strike at around 4.46pm.
‘Prepare to evacuate vertically if warnings are issued,’ meteorologist Matthew Capucci urged on social media.
A tsunami watch has been extended to cover the entire West Coast of the United States
The quake reached a magnitude of 8.7 and struck about 84 miles east-southeast of Kamchatska at around 7.24pm EST
‘Move away from beaches, harbors, marinas, bays and inlets. If you’re in a boat and cannot reach shore, sail away from the coast into deeper waters where the tsunami’s energy will be dispersed. Head to a place with an ocean depth of at least 180 feet.’
The quake comes just over one week after several other tremors struck the area, including one that measured a 7.4 magnitude.
Tuesday’s earthquake is the largest this year, and is the first magnitude 8.0 or higher since 2021.
The last 8.7 magnitude earthquake occurred on February 4, 1965 on the Rat Islands off the coast of Alaska.
This is a breaking news story and will be updated.
