One of the strongest earthquakes in many years was predicted days in advance by a YouTube channel.
Reddit users have shared a video, which was posted just four days before an 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck off the east coast of Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula.
It caused tsunami alerts and warnings to be sent out in multiple countries, including Japan, the West coast of the US, Russia, and many small islands.
Residents were sent fleeing for higher ground and heading at least a mile inland, with a fear that giant tsunami waves would follow the quake as aftershocks continued.
Advert
Reddit users found a video had been posted four days ago, titled 'Russia's Deadly Megathrust Fault Is Ready To Rupture: A Pacific-Wide Tsunami Is Coming'.
It was posted by the Earthly channel several days ago, and has since clocked up 171,000 views.
One of the top commenters wrote: "I love how I just watched this video 3 days ago and now we've got an 8.7 [sic] quake right along the subduction zone!"
The video explains: "Far beneath the waters off Russia’s Far East, lies one of the most dangerous—and least understood—geological features on Earth: the Kuril–Kamchatka Trench. Stretching thousands of kilometers along the Pacific seafloor, this vast subduction zone marks the collision of two colossal tectonic plates and holds the potential to unleash a disaster of staggering proportions.
"In 1952, it triggered a magnitude 9.0 earthquake and a tsunami that claimed over 2,300 lives within minutes. Now, decades later, signs are mounting that history may be poised to repeat itself," the creator of the video warned.
"In 2025 alone, this volatile region has already been shaken by 7 earthquakes exceeding magnitude 7, including a powerful Magnitude 7.4 event in July that prompted tsunami warnings across the Pacific. Scientists fear a much larger rupture could be imminent!"
Kamchatka is part of an area frequently referred to as the 'Ring of Fire' thanks to the frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions which take place in the region.
The ring encircles the Pacific Ocean.
Other commenters rushed to praise the people behind the video.
"The earliest earthquake warning in history made right here. Gj man!" wrote one.
"And 3 days later, we have an 8.7 [sic] earthquake with 6.7 aftershock. Nicely called," added another.
One viewer joked: "Got any stock tips?"
"Wow, it actually happened a few days after the video! This is insane," exclaimed a stunned commenter.
"OMG, there was an earthquake few hours ago and it triggered a pacific wide tsunami. You said magnitude 8.5 to 9.2 range, dude you nailed it! according to reports its magnitude 8.8. I can't believed it you are a sage, I'm a subscriber now" added one viewer.
"Came here to see what everyone was going to be saying about the 8.8 magnitude earthquake that just occurred hours ago. This could not have been more spot on!" complimented another new fan.
In Hawaii, the warning has been downgraded and evacuated residents have been told they can return to their homes, however Chile and Colombia have both upgraded their warnings and are still bracing for huge waves.
Jen Thomas