The Russian Academy of Sciences’ geophysical survey released chilling aerial footage showing seawater engulfing buildings and infrastructure in the remote town, home to roughly 2,000 residents after four meters high tsunami waves hits the place. Authorities acted swiftly, evacuating the entire population to safety. State media reported several injuries, though none were life-threatening, highlighting the effective response despite the chaos.

The earthquake, centered in the same region as the devastating 9.0 quake of 1952, prompted widespread tsunami alerts across the Pacific, leading to evacuations in countries including the United States, Japan, China, and New Zealand. Kamchatka’s governor, Vladimir Solodov, issued an urgent plea via Telegram, warning residents to steer clear of coastal areas and heed loudspeaker announcements.

Locals described harrowing scenes, with buildings trembling violently, sparking widespread panic. An Elizovsky resident recounted the terror, saying, “The walls were shaking so hard. We grabbed our emergency suitcase with water and clothes and ran out. It was terrifying.”

The regional seismic monitoring service confirmed this as the strongest quake in the area since 1952, warning of aftershocks up to 7.5 magnitude. At least six aftershocks, including significant tremors of 6.9 and 6.3, have already rattled the region, keeping authorities on high alert.

The Russian emergency ministry has deployed teams to assess damage and ensure no further threats remain, while scientists monitor seismic activity closely. The incident underscores the vulnerability of the Pacific Ring of Fire, with experts urging preparedness for potential future quakes in this seismically active zone.

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