Pakistan, July 30 -- A powerful 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck off Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula on Wednesday, causing a tsunami and damaging buildings in the region. The quake, which was felt across the Pacific, prompted tsunami warnings and mass evacuations in countries including Japan, Hawaii, and Ecuador. Authorities reported waves as high as 4 meters crashing into parts of Kamchatka.

Soon after the quake, Japan issued a high-level tsunami warning, urging coastal residents to move to higher ground. Sirens echoed across towns along the eastern seaboard, and fishing boats left harbors to avoid damage. Meanwhile, evacuation drills were seen in Hokkaido, and officials confirmed there were no reported irregularities at any nuclear power p...