Tsunami Advisory Issued for U.S. West Coast Following Powerful Quake Near Russia

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A powerful offshore earthquake measuring 8.7 in magnitude near Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula has prompted tsunami advisories across the Pacific, with both Japan and the United States issuing precautionary alerts for coastal regions. While no widespread flooding is expected, officials are urging caution due to possible strong currents and hazardous surf.

The earthquake, which struck on Tuesday near the geologically active Kamchatka Peninsula in far eastern Russia, triggered regional tsunami responses from agencies including the United States Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) and the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA). The PTWC, which monitors seismic activity and tsunami risks in the Pacific, issued a tsunami advisory for the U.S. West Coast, covering coastal areas of California, Oregon, and Washington.

In California’s Monterey County, emergency officials activated the advisory around 6:30 p.m. Pacific Standard Time (PST), with wave activity estimated to reach the region shortly after midnight. “A tsunami capable of producing strong currents or waves dangerous to persons in or very near the water is expected or is already occurring,” read a statement from county authorities. While inundation is not anticipated, residents have been urged to stay away from beaches and coastal waters until further notice.

Cruz Aware, a local organization monitoring ocean conditions in Central California, noted that while waves are projected to remain under one foot in height, swimmers and boaters remain at risk. Previous tsunami events, even with small wave heights, have caused damage in confined harbors and coastal infrastructure.

Japan’s Meteorological Agency also issued coastal alerts, though no immediate damages were reported. The agency continues to assess offshore wave patterns and any potential impacts to populated coastal regions.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS), which tracks seismic activity worldwide, confirmed the quake’s magnitude and offshore location. Although the epicenter was thousands of miles from the U.S. mainland, its magnitude and position warrant a broad regional response. This serves as a reminder of how seismic events in one part of the Pacific can affect distant coastal areas.

No injuries or damage have been reported along the U.S. West Coast as of this writing. Ports remain open but under restricted operations as a precaution. Emergency services remain on alert in cities such as Crescent City, Santa Cruz, and Monterey, which have experienced tsunami effects in the past.

Authorities will lift advisories once wave activity subsides and all-clear signals are issued by national and local agencies.