Tsunami warning issued for Japan, Russia, and Hawaii after 8.8-magnitude earthquake strikes Pacific

Tsunami warnings issued across Japan, Russia, Hawaii, and Alaska after a massive 8.8-magnitude earthquake strikes off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, triggering widespread coastal alerts and aftershocks. (Image: AP)

On July 29, a powerful earthquake registering a magnitude of 8.8 struck off the coast of Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, triggering tsunami warnings and advisories across a vast swath of the Pacific region—including Japan, Alaska, Hawaii, and the U.S. West Coast.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported the quake’s epicenter approximately 119 kilometers east-southeast of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, a city of 180,000 residents. This tremor was among the strongest recorded globally since the 2011 Japan earthquake, with a depth of 20.7 kilometers and multiple aftershocks reaching magnitudes as high as 6.9.

Tsunami Alerts Span Pacific Coastlines

The earthquake prompted immediate tsunami warnings and watches. U.S. President Donald Trump took to social media to urge residents to stay informed: "Due to a massive earthquake that occurred in the Pacific Ocean, a Tsunami Warning is in effect for those living in Hawaii. A Tsunami Watch is in effect for Alaska and the Pacific Coast of the United States. Japan is also in the way. Please visit https://tsunami.gov for the latest information. STAY STRONG AND STAY SAFE!"

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Los Angeles issued a tsunami advisory replacing the earlier watch and warned that waves could arrive near 1 a.m. local time. Their advisory stressed: "If you are located in the coastal area, move off the beach & out of harbors & marinas. Do not go to the coast to watch. Be alert to instructions from local EM officials."

Similarly, coastal authorities from Alaska to California, including British Columbia and Oregon, urged people to avoid beaches, harbors, and marinas due to dangerous currents and strong waves.

Tsunami Impact and Local Responses

Small tsunami waves were already reported across various locations. In Alaska’s Aleutian Islands, waves under a foot washed ashore at Amchitka and Adak. Japan observed waves up to 50 centimeters at Ishinomaki port, with white waves reported along the shores of Hokkaido, Ibaraki, and Chiba. Hawaii’s Midway Atoll recorded waves from peak to trough reaching 6 feet (1.8 meters), raising concern over possible impacts on the Hawaiian coast.

Hawaii Governor Josh Green commented, "Waves hitting Hawaii could be bigger or smaller and it was too early to tell how large they would be." Oregon’s Department of Emergency Management emphasized, “This is not a major tsunami, but dangerous currents and strong waves may pose a risk to those near the water.”

Meanwhile, Canadian authorities anticipated multiple waves reaching Vancouver Island, with emergency agencies warning of ongoing wave activity through the night.

Damage and Aftershocks in Russia

The quake caused flooding in ports near the epicenter, notably in Kamchatka's Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, where residents fled inland amid power outages and disrupted mobile services. While some sought medical attention, no serious injuries have been reported.

In this image taken from a video released by Geophysical Service of the Russian Academy of Sciences, shows the aftermath of tsunami hitting the coastal area of Severo-Kurilsk at Paramushir island of Kuril Islands, Russia, Wednesday, July 30, 2025. (Geophysical Service of the Russian Academy of Sciences via AP)

The local governor of the Kuril Islands, Valery Limarenko, assured residents were safe and advised them to stay on higher ground pending further waves.

This earthquake marks the strongest seismic event in Kamchatka since the devastating 9.0 quake of 1952, which also produced tsunami waves as high as 30 feet in Hawaii.

Pacific Rim Braces for Continued Risks

Beyond immediate wave impacts, authorities across the Pacific—including the Philippines, Mexico, and New Zealand—issued warnings of unusual currents and urged residents to stay clear of coastal areas. New Zealand’s emergency management agency advised: "People should move out of the water, off beaches and shore areas, and away from harbors, marinas, rivers and estuaries."

Experts caution that aftershocks may persist for weeks, keeping the tsunami threat active and coastal regions on alert.

Also Read: A look at some of the largest earthquakes recorded in the world

Travel Advisory and Safety Measures

Tourists and residents along affected coasts are advised to monitor official government portals and comply strictly with evacuation orders and safety instructions.

This natural event serves as a stark reminder of the Pacific Ocean’s volatile seismic activity and the importance of preparedness for travelers planning visits to vulnerable coastal destinations.

(With inputs from agencies)