17/01/2026
Japan is on maximum alert after a powerful offshore earthquake (reported magnitude 8.😎 struck near Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, triggering tsunami warnings across the Pacific. Waves reported up to 1.3 meters reached Japan’s northern coastline, particularly Hokkaido and the city of Kuji, prompting the emergency evacuation of over two million people.
Authorities warn that larger waves could still arrive, keeping risk levels high. The situation has revived painful memories of the 2011 Tōhoku tsunami, reinforcing Japan’s strict precautionary response. Tsunami alerts also extended to Hawaii and parts of the United States, with no major damage reported so far.
In Russia, officials reported waves up to 4 meters and moderate damage along the coast. Japan continues large-scale protective measures, urging residents to stay away from shorelines until the all-clear is given. See less