A powerful 8.7-magnitude earthquake struck off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula early Wednesday, triggering widespread tsunami warnings across the Pacific and sparking evacuations in coastal areas.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) initially reported the quake as magnitude 8.0 but later revised it to 8.7 based on updated seismic data. The epicenter was located about 125 kilometers southeast of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, a major city in the Russian Far East, and occurred at a shallow depth of 19.3 kilometers (12 miles), increasing its impact on surface areas.

The USGS warned that destructive tsunami waves could reach coastal areas of Russia and Japan within hours of the quake. Authorities urged residents in the affected zones to evacuate to higher ground and follow emergency protocols.

Footage posted on social media showed the violent shaking, with furniture toppling, buildings swaying, and panic erupting in homes and public spaces. Preliminary reports indicate structural damage in several areas, but no casualties have yet been confirmed.

The quake struck near Avacha Bay, part of the seismically active Pacific Ring of Fire. This region frequently experiences major earthquakes due to tectonic plate movements beneath the Earth’s surface.

In response to the quake, emergency services in Russia and neighboring countries were placed on high alert. Aftershocks are expected in the coming hours, and residents have been advised to remain cautious.

Tsunami monitoring centers across the Pacific are closely observing wave activity. The situation is developing, and further assessments are underway to gauge the full extent of damage and risk.