News & Current Events

Global Tsunami Alarms Following 8.8‑Magnitude Earthquake—Sixth Strongest On Record

Published on July 30, 2025

Following a huge earthquake off the coast of Russia, residents of numerous nations have been alerted about the possibility of a tsunami.

There are concerns that a tsunami may strike several nations after an 8.8-magnitude earthquake off the coast of Russia on Wednesday, July 30, is thought to be the sixth-strongest ever recorded.

The BBC reports that waves caused by the earthquake have already reached Hawaii, reaching a height of 4 feet (1.2 meters).

Many places have already ordered evacuations from coastal areas in an effort to reduce potential damage and fatalities.

The 9.0 magnitude earthquake that struck northeast Japan in 2011 and the ensuing tsunami that left destruction in its wake is the largest earthquake on record.

However, which regions are currently at danger? Here’s what we currently know.

Everything we know about the earthquake in Russia and tsunami warnings

The US Geological Survey (USGS) reports that the epicenter of the earthquake was located at a depth of 20.7 kilometers, approximately 74 miles (119 kilometers) southeast of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky city.

Two strong aftershocks, with magnitudes of 6.3 and 6.9 in the hour following the initial 8.8 earthquake, followed this.

There have also been reports of smaller shocks, about five in magnitude.

According to the governor of Hawaii, the tsunami ‘will wrap around the islands’, and the waves that have been recorded so far are four to five feet high.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said that big waves began to form near Kahului early in the evening local time.

After the threat was modified from a tsunami to strong waves, all flights into and out of Maui airport were canceled, and those who had evacuated were advised they could go back home.

Although the observed waves have been somewhat smaller thus far, the initial prognosis for Japan was for waves of about three meters, albeit that might yet change.

Where in the world is the tsunami expected to hit?

Large waves have already started to batter the northern and eastern beaches of Japan, prompting the evacuation of almost 1.9 million people.

California and the entirety of the US West Coast are now under tsunami warnings and advisories. From Cape Mendocino to the Oregon border, the California coast is under the highest tsunami alert.

Countries like Russia, the Philippines, Indonesia, Chile, Peru, and Ecuador have also issued warnings in addition to the US and Japan.

Galapagos Island residents have been alerted about the possibility of a 1.4-meter (4.6-foot) wave by 9 a.m. local time.

There is also a comprehensive alert from the Integrated Tsunami Alert System of Mexico and Central America.

In addition to Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa, it encompasses the entire region from Ensenada to Panama.

This morning, the US embassy sent warnings to Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands, and Papua New Guinea.

President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social: “Due to a massive earthquake that occurred in the Pacific Ocean, a Tsunami Warning is in effect for those living in Hawaii. A Tsunami Watch is in effect for Alaska and the Pacific Coast of the United States. Japan is also in the way.”

“Please visit tsunami.gov/ for the latest information. STAY STRONG AND STAY SAFE!”

How to stay safe during a tsunami

Residents are being advised to relocate to higher land and away from low-lying and coastal locations.

New Zealand’s emergency management agency warned residents in coastal areas: “People in or near the sea in the following areas should move out of the water, off beaches and shore areas and away from harbours, marinas, rivers and estuaries.”

Boaters have been ordered to relocate onto the shore, including those in marinas.

There are numerous advisories that advise against going to the coast to shoot footage for social media or to check for any incoming waves.

It is recommended that people relocate to land at least a mile inland from the shore and at least 100 feet above sea level.

The National Weather Service states that a loud roaring sound from the ocean and a quick surge or dip in water levels are telltale signals of a tsunami.

Another indication that a tsunami is imminent is if the water abruptly recedes from the coast.

For the most recent information and alerts, residents are encouraged to check their mobile devices or listen to the radio.