Authorities in the city of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky declared a state of emergency on Wednesday following a powerful magnitude 8.8 earthquake off the Kamchatka Peninsula, which triggered tsunami waves and dozens of aftershocks.

The earthquake—one of the strongest recorded globally in decades—struck at 8:24 a.m. local time. The epicenter was located 149 kilometers southeast of the city at a depth of 17 kilometers, according to the local branch of Russia’s Academy of Sciences.

More than 50 aftershocks were recorded in the hours following the quake, and seismologists warned that tremors up to magnitude 7.5 could occur in the coming days or weeks.

Mayor Yevgeny Belyaev said all public services are on high alert as damage inspections continue. While most damage appears cosmetic, a portion of a kindergarten facade collapsed, and elevator outages were reported in some newer residential buildings.

Temporary emergency shelters have been established for residents reluctant to return home due to the ongoing aftershock risk.

Authorities advised residents to avoid beaches and shorelines around Avacha Bay, a popular destination for locals and tourists, due to continued tsunami risk. (ILKHA)