Hours ago, the largest earthquake in the last 70 years occurred in the Far East — its magnitude reached 8.7 on the Richter scale. The epicenter is 161 km from the coast of Kamchatka, at a depth of 32 km. At first, seismologists estimated the tremors at 7.5, then 8.5, and then revised the data: it was a real cataclysm, comparable to the devastating earthquake of 1952.
In the area of Severo-Kurilsk, the force of the tremors was felt at the level of 7.9 points, in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky — about 6 points. The ground was shaking, buildings were swaying, things were falling. But the worst part is that the earthquake was followed by a tsunami.
The first waves have already hit the coastal area of Severo-Kurilsk. The water flooded the territory of the Alaid fish factory and rose several meters. Fortunately, the emergency services worked quickly: almost 300 people were urgently evacuated from the port and low-lying areas on high ground. Thanks to this, mass casualties were avoided — so far no deaths have been reported, there are only victims.
Japan and the United States reacted promptly: both countries declared a tsunami threat to their coasts. Checks and preparations for the possible arrival of waves have begun in coastal areas.
One of the most touching videos is from an oncological dispensary in Kamchatka. The doctors continued the operation even when the ground was shaking. The surgeons were standing still, the patient was safe, and the operation was successful. This is real resilience.
The region is now on high alert. They monitor aftershocks, check the infrastructure, and help the victims. And the magnitude 8.7 earthquake remains a harsh reminder: nature still dictates its own rules, and people just have to be prepared.
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