Kathrine Frich
Social media exploded with claims that the earthquake was caused by a failed Russian nuclear test.
Social media exploded with claims that the earthquake was caused by a failed Russian nuclear test.
Massive Earthquake Rocks Russia
A powerful 8.8-magnitude earthquake struck off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, sending shockwaves across the Pacific and prompting tsunami warnings in multiple countries.
Experts say it’s the strongest quake in the region in decades, reigniting memories of past disasters and fueling conspiracy theories online.
Panic Spreads Across the Pacific Rim
Tsunami warnings were quickly issued for coastal areas of Japan, Hawaii, Chile, the Solomon Islands, and parts of the U.S. West Coast.
Waves as high as 1 to 3 meters (3–10 feet) are expected in vulnerable regions, with authorities urging residents to seek higher ground.
Hawaii Gridlocked as Residents Flee Inland
In Hawaii, chaos erupted as locals scrambled to escape low-lying areas.
Traffic jams, emergency sirens, and live tsunami trackers created scenes of panic as the island braced for potential waves.
Authorities warned of unpredictable ocean surges and powerful currents.
Conspiracy Theories Erupt Online
Social media exploded with wild claims that the earthquake was caused by a failed Russian nuclear test.
Some users speculated the epicenter’s proximity to a nuclear submarine base was “too convenient,” while others referenced Putin’s threats of tsunami-inducing weapons.
Experts Dismiss “Man-Made” Earthquake Claims
Geologists confirmed the quake occurred along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a zone responsible for 90% of the world’s seismic activity.
Tectonics professor Jeffrey Karson described the region as a “hotbed of natural geological unrest,” emphasizing that the quake was entirely consistent with natural seismic patterns.
Russia’s Tsunami Weapon Rumors Resurface
Despite expert pushback, online speculation intensified around Russia’s nuclear-powered Poseidon torpedo, a long-range underwater weapon rumored to create tsunami-like destruction.
While real, there is no evidence linking the device to this event, and officials insist the quake was natural.
Nuclear Fears Ripple Through Japan
The quake immediately revived memories of the 2011 Fukushima disaster.
Japanese officials issued nuclear safety alerts and assured citizens that power plants were operating safely.
Still, residents and media outlets expressed concern over infrastructure vulnerabilities and past failures.
Whales Wash Ashore as Coastal Wildlife Disrupted
In Japan, early reports showed whales stranded on beaches, believed to be a result of tsunami waves or shockwaves from the underwater quake.
While not uncommon after large seismic events, the haunting images added to the growing sense of unease.
Foreign Office Issues Warnings for 17 Countries
Governments around the world responded swiftly.
The UK’s Foreign Office issued urgent travel advisories for 17 countries.
New Zealand’s disaster agency warned of “strong and unusual currents,” though it stopped short of ordering evacuations.
Largest Earthquake Since 2011 Japan Disaster
Seismologists confirmed this was the most powerful earthquake on Earth since the 9.1-magnitude quake that devastated northern Japan in 2011.
As tsunami waves continue to ripple outward, global attention remains fixed on coastal regions facing potential impact.
