Moscow: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim expressed relief that no serious casualties or widespread damage had been reported following the massive earthquake off Russia’s far eastern coast. In his Facebook post today, he also commended the swift action of early-warning systems and emergency responders who moved quickly to protect lives.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the massive earthquake off Russia’s far eastern coast was among the strongest ever recorded, causing deep concern. Anwar noted the tsunami warnings across the Pacific, recognizing the potential impact on communities from Kamchatka to Japan, Guam, and beyond. He expressed his thoughts for those who experienced anxious hours waiting for updates and hoped the danger had passed.

The earthquake triggered tsunami warnings for millions across the Pacific, including in Japan, the United States, and Mexico. Hours after the quake, there were no reports of major damage on Wednesday. In many regions, tsunami warnings were lifted or downgraded.

The main quake struck at about 11:24 am on Wednesday (2324 GMT Tuesday) and was recorded by the US Geological Survey (USGS) at a magnitude of 8.8. This marks the strongest global quake since Japan’s Fukushima disaster in March 2011 and one of the six most powerful earthquakes ever measured. Russian authorities reported a magnitude of 8.7.