Tsunami Warnings Issued for Alaska and Hawaii Following Massive 8.7 Magnitude Earthquake Near Russia

July 30, 2025 — A powerful 8.7 magnitude earthquake struck off the eastern coast of Russia early Tuesday, prompting tsunami warnings for Alaska’s Aleutian Islands and Hawaii, and advisories along the West Coast of the United States and Canada, as well as in parts of Japan, according to emergency management officials and seismic monitoring agencies.

The earthquake occurred offshore near Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, a region prone to significant seismic activity. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed the quake’s magnitude and noted the potential for widespread tsunami activity due to its strength and shallow depth.

🌊 Regions Under Alert

• Alaska’s Aleutian Islands and Hawaii are under official tsunami warnings, with residents urged to move inland or to higher ground immediately.
• Tsunami advisories have been issued for California, Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia, as officials monitor wave activity and prepare for possible coastal surges.
• Japan’s Pacific coastline, from Hokkaido to Kyushu, is also under advisory, with national authorities warning of potential waves up to 1 meter high.

🛑 Urgent Safety Measures in Place

In Hawaii, officials have activated the state’s Emergency Operations Center, and sirens sounded across the islands as part of a coordinated alert system. Residents in low-lying coastal zones have been advised to evacuate or seek shelter on higher floors of reinforced buildings.

Emergency officials in Alaska’s coastal communities are also urging immediate action, warning that tsunami waves could arrive with little notice. Coastal areas in California and the Pacific Northwest have begun closing beaches and piers as a precaution.

The National Weather Service emphasized that tsunami waves can vary in strength and size, with the first wave not necessarily the largest, and that danger may persist for several hours.

⚠️ What Residents Should Know

• Stay informed through official emergency broadcasts and alerts.
• Avoid coastal areas, beaches, harbors, and river mouths until the all-clear is given.
• Follow evacuation orders and safety instructions from local authorities.

This remains a developing situation, and seismic activity continues to be monitored. Emergency agencies across the Pacific Rim are coordinating responses and advising the public to remain vigilant as further updates become available.