First waves hit Hawaii after huge earthquake off Russia triggers tsunami alerts across Pacific, Japan and US

Powerful Earthquake Strikes Kamchatka, Warnings Issued Across Pacific

A massive magnitude 8.8 earthquake struck off Russia’s Far Eastern Kamchatka Peninsula on July 30, 2025, sending shockwaves across the Pacific Ocean. Centered approximately 119 km east‑southeast of Petropavlovsk‑Kamchatsky, the quake was the strongest recorded in the region since 1952 The Guardian+12Reuters+12Reuters+12. The U.S. Geological Survey confirmed the quake had a shallow depth of around 19 km, raising tsunami potential across the Pacific basin Reuters.

Tsunami Waves Strike Hawaii, Cause Turbulence

As tsunami warnings echoed across the Pacific, Hawaii was among the first to be impacted. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center projected wave arrivals around 7:17 p.m. HST, and the first waves began arriving shortly thereafter The Times of India+3CBS News+3New York Post+3.

Hanalei gauge on Kauai recorded waves approximately 3 ft above normal sea level.
Haleiwa gauge on Oahu’s North Shore recorded up to 4 ft amplitude.
Maui’s Kahului gauge registered waves nearing 4 ft above normal CBS News+2The Guardian+2News.com.au+2.

Although the waves were relatively modest in size, they coincided with high tide, raising risks of shoreline flooding. Residents reported minor water inundation in coastal areas, but no major structural damage has yet been confirmed YouTube+9CBS News+9Reuters+9.

Authorities urged coastal residents to evacuate to higher ground or buildings above the fourth floor. Mandatory evacuations and shelter operations began across several islands CBS News. Governor Josh Green and emergency officials emphasized that the event was far from over, warning that tsunamis often arrive in multiple waves over hours or even days The Guardian+2CBS News+2News.com.au+2.

Widespread Alerts Across Pacific Rim

Countries across the Pacific—including Japan, Alaska, the U.S. West Coast, Canada, Mexico, and parts of Latin America—were placed under tsunami alerts or advisories Cadena SER+1New York Post+1.

In Japan, waves up to 1.3 m (≈ 4.3 ft) were detected in affected coastal areas. Though infrastructure damage was minimal and no injuries were reported, millions were evacuated as a precaution, especially around Fukushima <2011> sites New York Post+4Reuters+4Reuters+4.
In Russia, particularly Severo‑Kurilsk, waves reached heights between 3 m and 5 m, causing flooding, disruption of port operations, and infrastructure damage including to a kindergarten and the regional power grid. Several injuries were reported, though no fatalities have been confirmed Reuters+5Reuters+5Wikipedia+5.
The U.S. West Coast—including California, Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia—received tsunami watches and advisories. The National Weather Service warned of potential 5.5 ft waves near Crescent City, and beaches were closed, and boats ordered to leave harbor The Times of IndiaThe GuardianReuters.

Ongoing Monitoring & Safety Guidance

According to Pacific Tsunami Warning Center officials, wave heights peaked around 10 p.m. local time in Hawaii, though stronger waves could still arrive. Wave activity was expected to persist into the next morning before warnings could be safely downgraded CBS News.

Experts reminded communities that tsunamis are not singular events: they often span hours, and strong aftershocks may follow, posing additional risks. Residents were advised to remain vigilant, follow local evacuation orders, and avoid waterways until all-clear notices are issued CBS NewsThe Times of IndiaReuters.

This earthquake is the largest Pacific event since the 2011 Japan disaster and represents the strongest seismic event in Russia since 1952 New York PostThe Guardian+4Reuters+4News.com.au+4. Global authorities continue monitoring the situation with updates expected as wave patterns evolve.

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