Pacific on alert after Russia’s 8.8-magnitude quake sparks tsunami warnings from Japan to California

A massive undersea earthquake measuring 8.8 on the Richter scale struck off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula early July 30, triggering tsunami waves and setting off widespread emergency alerts across the Pacific Rim — including in Japan, Russia, Hawaii, California, and Alaska. Authorities are urging millions in vulnerable coastal regions to move to higher ground as the risk of dangerous waves looms.

According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, a tsunami wave approximately 30 cm (about 1 foot) high reached Nemuro on Hokkaido's eastern coastline. Meanwhile, Russia reported the first wave reaching Severo-Kurilsk in the Kuril Islands, prompting residents to seek refuge on higher terrain.

Officials confirmed that over 900,000 people across 133 Japanese municipalities have been placed under an evacuation advisory. In Hawaii, emergency sirens blared across Honolulu after officials ordered immediate evacuations in areas at risk.

Intense visuals, powerful aftershocks expected

Dramatic videos flooding social media show roads cracking, buildings swaying, and furniture being violently tossed as the quake rattled Russia’s far eastern coastline. The Russian Academy of Sciences noted that this is the strongest quake to hit the region since 1952, and warned of possible aftershocks reaching up to 7.5 magnitude.

US coastline on edge

The US National Weather Service issued a tsunami advisory for coastal regions of California — from Cape Mendocino to the Oregon border. Similar alerts have been extended to Hawaii, Alaska, and parts of the Pacific Northwest.

In Los Angeles, the first waves were expected around 1 a.m., prompting the local weather service to urge people to leave beaches, harbors, and marinas immediately. “Do not go to the coast to watch,” the advisory warned. “Be alert to instructions from local emergency officials.”

Southeast Asia on watch, India safe

Tsunami alerts were also issued in the Philippines and Indonesia, while India's Ocean Information Centre (INCOIS) confirmed there is no tsunami threat to India or the Indian Ocean region.

Understanding tsunami alerts and safety steps

Tsunamis are typically a series of waves triggered by sudden shifts in the sea floor — often caused by earthquakes. Authorities warn that the first wave may not be the largest, and more dangerous surges may follow.

In Hawaii, emergency messages are broadcast via cellphones, TV, radio, and public sirens. Residents are instructed to evacuate tsunami hazard zones and stay at least 100 feet away from inland waterways due to the threat of flooding.

What’s next

Emergency agencies across multiple countries continue to monitor wave movements and seismic activity. With more tremors expected and tsunami conditions still developing, officials stress that this remains an evolving and potentially dangerous situation.