Kamchatka Emergency Declared Amid Fear of Major Aftershocks Following Massive Earthquake

Authorities in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky declared a state of emergency on Wednesday following a massive earthquake with a magnitude of 8.8 that struck off the coast of Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula in the Far East, leading to tsunami waves and numerous aftershocks.

This earthquake, one of the strongest ever documented, occurred at 8:24 a.m. local time, approximately 149 kilometers (93 miles) southeast of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, at a depth of 17 kilometers (10.6 miles), according to geologists from the local branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

More than 50 aftershocks ensued the main quake, and seismologists have warned that tremors reaching magnitudes of up to 7.5 may occur in the upcoming days or weeks. Although a tsunami warning was initially issued for Kamchatka, it was later retracted.

Mayor Yevgeny Belyaev of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky stated that public services have been placed on high alert and that inspections for damage are currently taking place. He noted that part of a kindergarten’s facade collapsed, but thankfully, no injuries were reported. While most of the damage appears to be superficial, some newly constructed residential buildings experienced elevator outages, he added.

Temporary shelters were established for residents hesitant to return home because of the ongoing risk of aftershocks. Officials urged the public to stay away from the beaches and shorelines around Avacha Bay, a favored location for both locals and visitors.

Known for its active volcanoes, geysers, and wild landscapes, Kamchatka is a significant tourist hotspot. According to the Russian Tourism Union, approximately 7,000 to 8,000 tourists were present in the area during the earthquake, yet none have been reported as injured.

Local media reported that authorities managing national parks in Kamchatka have restricted access to several areas for tourists due to the threat of landslides and rockfalls.

At Yelizovo Airport in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, all flights have been postponed until Thursday. Videos circulated on social media depicted parts of the airport ceiling collapsing during the earthquake, with travelers seen fleeing for safety. Some passengers encountered challenges in reaching emergency exits.

Governor Vladimir Solodov of the Kamchatka region criticized the airport’s reaction to the earthquake, describing the response as “unsatisfactory.” He announced that he would implement new oversight measures, including enhancements to emergency preparedness and staff training.

Russian seismologists had indicated an increase in seismic activity around Kamchatka as early as July 20, following a series of tremors that reached magnitudes of 7.4, which had triggered earlier tsunami alerts.

In the neighboring Sakhalin region, officials reported that recovery efforts were underway in the city of Severo-Kurilsk on Paramushir Island, part of the Kuril chain, which was significantly impacted by flooding caused by tsunami waves.