Kamchatka Volcano Erupts Hours After Massive Earthquake

Hours after a powerful 8.8-magnitude earthquake shook the Pacific on Wednesday, Russia’s Klyuchevskoy volcano erupted on the Kamchatka Peninsula. The volcano lies about 450 kilometers (280 miles) north of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, the regional capital. It has erupted multiple times in recent years.

The Russian Academy of Sciences’ United Geophysical Service confirmed the eruption on Telegram, reporting, “Burning hot lava descends the western slope. Powerful glow and explosions are visible above the volcano.”

Tsunami Waves Strike Hawaii, Prompting Evacuations

Tsunami waves reached Hawaii’s Oahu island, triggering panic as beachgoers rushed to evacuate. Officials urged residents in coastal and low-lying areas to move to higher ground or upper floors of sturdy buildings. For three hours, sirens sounded statewide, signaling an alert ahead of the tsunami’s arrival.

Tsunami warnings extended along the U.S. West Coast—including California, Oregon, and Washington—and reached Canada’s British Columbia, Japan, and parts of Russia.

Warnings Ease but Vigilance Remains

Later, authorities lifted evacuation orders for Hawaii’s Big Island and Oahu, though the state stayed under a tsunami advisory. Meanwhile, Chile raised its Pacific coast warning to the highest level.

Dave Snider, tsunami warning coordinator at Alaska’s National Tsunami Warning Center, explained, “A tsunami is not just one wave; it’s a series of powerful waves over hours or even a day.” He added that tsunamis travel at jet-like speeds across deep water but slow and pile up near shores, increasing flooding risks.

Aftershocks Continue, No Major Damage Reported

Danila Chebrov, director of Kamchatka’s Geophysical Service branch, said on Telegram that aftershocks are ongoing with “fairly high” intensity but no stronger tremors are expected soon. So far, no casualties or major damage have been reported.

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