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A massive 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula early Wednesday, triggering tsunami warnings across the Pacific, including Japan, the United States and multiple island nations.
The quake, centered 74 miles east-southeast of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, occurred at 8:25 a.m. local time. Initially reported at magnitude 8.0, it was later upgraded, tying it as the sixth strongest earthquake ever recorded. Russian officials reported several injuries but no fatalities.
A 10- to 13-foot tsunami flooded Severo-Kurilsk, prompting evacuations. Aftershocks up to magnitude 7.5 could continue for weeks, officials warned.
Japan issued its highest tsunami alert, ordering evacuations affecting nearly 2 million people. Waves up to 16 inches hit Hokkaido’s coast, and Fukushima’s nuclear plant workers were evacuated as a precaution.
Hawaii sounded tsunami sirens with waves expected Wednesday night. Advisories were issued for Alaska, the U.S. West Coast and Canada’s British Columbia, warning residents to avoid beaches and harbors.
— Hawaii DOT (@DOTHawaii) July 30, 2025
Pacific nations including the Philippines, China, Taiwan, Indonesia, New Zealand, and Mexico also issued alerts. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center extended warnings to South and Central America, Australia and Oceania.
President Donald Trump urged residents in affected areas to “stay strong and stay safe.”
Authorities caution waves may continue for more than a day and urge residents to remain on high ground until warnings are lifted.
With information from Time.com
