Tsunami Alerts Issued for Alaska and Hawaii Following Massive 8.8-Magnitude Earthquake Near Russia

Tsunami Alerts Issued for Alaska and Hawaii Following Massive 8.8-Magnitude Earthquake Near Russia

A powerful 8.8-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula on July 29, 2025, prompting widespread tsunami warnings across the Pacific region, including Hawaii and Alaska.YouTube+16The Guardian+16KSL+16

The earthquake, occurring approximately 85 miles southeast of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky at a depth of 11 miles, is among the strongest ever recorded globally. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued alerts for Hawaii, Alaska’s Aleutian Islands, and the U.S. West Coast, including California, Oregon, and Washington. An advisory was also issued for Japan’s Pacific Coast regions from Hokkaido to Kyushu. LakelandToday.ca+8People.com+8Al Jazeera+8The Washington Post

In Hawaii, the National Weather Service activated evacuation orders for coastal areas, urging residents to move to higher ground. The first tsunami waves were expected to reach Hawaii around 7:17 p.m. local time, with subsequent waves anticipated to follow. Officials emphasized the potential for multiple waves over several hours. ABC News

Alaska’s Aleutian Islands were placed under a tsunami warning, while a watch was issued for the state’s southern coast. Residents in affected areas were advised to stay away from beaches and harbors and to follow local emergency instructions. San Francisco Chronicle

The earthquake also triggered tsunami waves up to 4 meters (13 feet) in parts of Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, causing flooding in Severo-Kurilsk and prompting evacuations. Japan reported waves reaching Hokkaido and issued evacuation advisories for nearly 900,000 residents along its eastern seaboard. The Guardian

Authorities across the Pacific region continue to monitor the situation closely, urging residents to remain vigilant and adhere to evacuation orders and safety advisories. The event underscores the ongoing seismic activity in the Pacific Ring of Fire and the importance of preparedness in coastal communities.