A powerful earthquake measuring 8.7 magnitude struck near the eastern coastline of Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula. Initially recorded at 8.0 magnitude, the U.S. Geological Survey later upgraded it to 8.7.

The quake occurred at a depth of 19.3 kilometers, about 125 kilometers southeast of the coastal Avacha Bay region, near the city of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, which has a population of approximately 165,000.

Authorities in the Sakhalin region ordered the immediate evacuation of residents in the small town of Severo-Kurilsk. Governor Valery Limarenko confirmed the decision via Telegram after the tsunami threat became evident.

Emergency services in Kamchatka issued a warning stating that waves up to 32 centimeters could hit the eastern coast of the region.

Japan’s Meteorological Agency also issued an advisory, warning that waves as high as one meter could reach Japan’s coastal areas, according to public broadcaster NHK.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center stated that, based on initial seismic data, a widespread and dangerous tsunami was possible.