A powerful magnitude 8.8 earthquake shook Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula early on July 30, 2025, sending tsunami waves racing across the Pacific. The impact has already been felt in Hawaii, Japan, and Russia’s eastern coast, leading to widespread evacuations, flight cancellations, and emergency alerts across several countries.
Where Did the Tsunami Strike?
According to official reports, tsunami waves up to 5 meters (16.4 feet) high struck the Russian town of Severo-Kurilsk, partially flooding ports and sweeping fishing boats from moorings. Nearly 2,000 residents were evacuated, and a state of emergency was declared in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, a city of around 165,000 people.
In Japan, tsunami alarms sounded across the Pacific coast. The Japan Meteorological Agency reported wave heights climbing from 20cm to over 1.3 meters (4.2 feet), and officials ordered the evacuation of nearly two million people.
Hawaii faced waves up to 1.7 meters (5.5 feet). Governor Josh Green confirmed data from Midway Atoll showing waves peaking around 1.8 meters (6 feet). All flights in and out of Maui were canceled as a precaution.
Elsewhere, the US Tsunami Warning Centers projected waves as high as 3 meters in Ecuador, and up to 1–3 meters in Chile, Peru, and several Pacific islands.
Who Else Is Under Tsunami Warning or Advisory?
Warnings or advisories were issued for:
- Russia
- Japan
- Hawaii
- Taiwan
- The Philippines
- Guam
- Tonga
- California
- Alaska
- Oregon
- Washington
- British Columbia
- Mexico
- Peru
- Ecuador
- Australia (under advisory)
Warning: High risk of flooding, danger to life, evacuation needed.
Advisory: Strong currents or waves expected; lower risk of major flooding.
When and Where Did the Quake Strike?
The 8.8-magnitude earthquake struck at 8:25 am Japan time (11:25 GMT) on July 30, centered 119 km southeast of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky at a shallow depth of 19.3 km (12 miles). It’s the strongest quake in the Russian region since 1952 and among the top 10 strongest earthquakes in history.
Residents described terrifying scenes as buildings shook for over three minutes. While damage and injuries were reported, the worst impact came from the resulting tsunami waves.
Why Did This Earthquake Trigger a Tsunami?
Geologists explain that the quake happened in the Pacific Ring of Fire. The quake lifted the seabed, displacing water outward and generating tsunami waves that travel at the speed of a jet plane.
As Dr. Chris Elders noted, the quake’s shallow depth and massive strength made it especially dangerous for coastal communities.
Hawaii, California and the US West Coast
In Hawaii, waves were detected around 07:30 GMT. Monterey, California reported the first wave at 12:48 am local time. Warnings extended across the West Coast, including San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego.
Safety advice:
- Move to higher ground immediately
- Avoid beaches and ports
- Listen to official alerts
- Help vulnerable people
- Stay away from rivers and estuaries
📈 How Does This Compare to Historic Quakes?
| Location | Year | Magnitude | Notable Facts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chile | 1960 | 9.5 | Deadliest; 1,600+ deaths |
| Alaska | 1964 | 9.2 | Largest US quake |
| Indonesia | 2004 | 9.1 | 230,000 deaths |
| Japan | 2011 | 9.1 | Fukushima disaster |
| Russia | 1952 | 9.0 | Tsunami reached Hawaii |
Stay Informed and Prepared
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