July 30, 2025 | Pacific Desk
Following a massive 8.8 magnitude undersea earthquake near Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, tsunami waves have begun impacting regions across the Pacific. The quake, which struck around 03:17 local time near Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, has triggered widespread tsunami alerts, with authorities warning of waves as high as 10 feet (3 meters) in certain areas.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) has confirmed that the first waves have already reached Alaska, and Hawaii is now experiencing incoming surges. The highest wave recorded so far in Hawaii measured approximately 4 feet (1.2 meters) in Haleiwa, located on Oahu’s north shore. These waves arrived at intervals of roughly 12 minutes, according to officials.
The earthquake ranks among the ten most powerful globally in modern recorded history, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). It was followed by multiple significant aftershocks, including one registering a 6.9 magnitude, further elevating concern across coastal regions.
🌊 Tsunami Alerts Across the Pacific
Tsunami warnings are currently in effect for:
Hawaii
Alaska’s Aleutian Islands
Parts of Northern California
Other U.S. Pacific coastal regions remain under tsunami advisories, with continuous monitoring by PTWC and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Estimated wave arrival times are being updated in real-time as authorities track the pattern and strength of the tsunami. Emergency teams have been mobilized, and local governments are urging residents to stay away from beaches and low-lying areas.
🇯🇵 Japan Evacuates Millions
In Japan, nearly 2 million residents have been advised to evacuate coastal zones. In several municipalities, including Chiba prefecture, safety perimeters have been set up around public beaches such as Inage Beach. Authorities remain on high alert, coordinating with national agencies to mitigate potential risks.