Approximately 136 kilometers east-southeast of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, at a depth of 20.7 kilometers, an 8.8-magnitude earthquake occurred off the Russian Kamchatka Peninsula on July 30, 2025, at 11:24 AM PETT (23:24 UTC, July 29). The earthquake’s center was 52.530°N, 160.165°E. According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), it was a megathrust earthquake caused by the Pacific Plate subducting via the Kuril-Kamchatka Trench beneath the Okhotsk Plate. Seawater was displaced by this tectonic action, creating tsunami waves that spread throughout the Pacific, prompting tsunami alerts across the US West Coast regions and following a string of foreshocks, including one of magnitude 7.4 on July 20. The earthquake, which is tied for the sixth largest on record, set off aftershocks up to 7.0.

Tsunami Impacts and Damage

Three to four-meter tsunami waves hit Kamchatka, causing damage to a kindergarten in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky and flooding in portions of Severo-Kurilsk. There were no fatalities, according to Russia’s Ministry of Emergencies, although there were minor injuries, mostly from evacuations. Waves as large as 50 cm were seen off Hokkaido in Japan, although no serious damage was reported.

Source: X: Russia declares state of emergency in the northern Kuril Islands after flooding.

With waves as high as three meters predicted, the US West Coast, Alaska, and Hawaii are still in danger. According to the US Tsunami Warning Center, waves might hit California between 11:20 PM and 1:05 AM Pacific Time, while Hawaii is expected to be affected at 7:17 PM local time. As of 10:29 AM IST, no damage has been verified in these areas.

Source: X

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Relief Measures and Evacuation Efforts

The US Tsunami Warning Center warned inhabitants to avoid beaches and marinas in Hawaii and Alaska and issued advisories for California, Oregon, Washington, and portions of British Columbia. Governor Josh Green of Hawaii declared an emergency, setting off sirens in Honolulu and establishing shelters. Indian nationals were instructed by the Indian Consulate in San Francisco to stay cautious, stay away from coastal areas, and call their helpline at +1-415-483-6629.

Workers at the nuclear plant at Fukushima were among those evacuated along the shore as the Japanese weather agency issued warnings for waves as high as three meters. In 133 Japanese municipalities, there were evacuation advisories for more than 900,000 residents. East Japan Railway halted operations, and Russia evacuated the 2,000 people living in Severo-Kurilsk. In a post on X, US President Donald Trump advised citizens to check tsunami.gov for updates.

Source: X

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Global Alerts and Ongoing Monitoring

Japan, the Philippines, Indonesia, Peru, Chile, and the Solomon Islands were all under tsunami warnings, while China was expecting coastal devastation. Russia and Ecuador might see waves as high as three meters, according to the US Tsunami Warning Center. The Indian Ocean is not in danger, according to India’s National Centre for Ocean Information Services.

The Japan Meteorological Agency has been warning of possible tsunami activity for more than 24 hours, and authorities warn that several waves could follow. Tsunami alerts across the US West Coast regions were also issued as a precaution due to the Pacific-wide impact. To protect the public, emergency personnel monitor aftershocks and wave movements.

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Summary of Tsunami Warnings and Impacts

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