Tsunami impact zones revealed: US, Japan and Russia on alert after massive quake
Powerful 8.8-magnitude quake off Russia triggers Pacific-wide tsunamis and evacuations
A powerful 8.8-magnitude earthquake hit Russia’s Kamchatka peninsula on July 30, triggering tsunami waves up to four metres across the Pacific and prompting evacuations from Hawaii to Japan. The quake, one of the strongest recorded in the region, led to a state of emergency in Russia’s northern Kuril Islands. The port town of Severo-Kurilsk was flooded, forcing the evacuation of about 2,000 residents. Several minor injuries were reported, but no serious casualties.
Widespread evacuations across the Pacific
Nearly two million people in Japan were ordered to evacuate as tsunami waves reached 1.3 metres in Iwate prefecture, though no major damage has been reported. Hawaii declared a full tsunami warning, cancelling flights and urging residents to move to higher ground, but significant waves have yet to materialise. The US West Coast and other Pacific nations including Mexico, Ecuador, Taiwan, and Palau have also issued warnings or evacuation orders.
Strongest quake in Kamchatka since 1952
This is the strongest earthquake in Kamchatka since 1952, which produced a devastating tsunami. The region continues to experience aftershocks, including a 6.9 magnitude tremor.
Tsunami waves forecast across multiple regions
The US Tsunami Warning Centers forecast waves exceeding three metres along parts of Ecuador, Russia, and the northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Coastal areas in Chile, Costa Rica, Hawaii, Japan, and other Pacific islands may see waves between one and three metres, while smaller waves up to one metre are expected near Australia, Mexico, New Zealand, Taiwan, and Tonga.
Tsunami threat zones by wave height
High threat (waves over 3m): Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, parts of Russia, Ecuador’s coast
Moderate threat (1–3m waves): Chile, Costa Rica, Hawaii (main islands), Japan, other Pacific islands
Lower threat (up to 1m waves): Australia, Colombia, Mexico, New Zealand, Tonga, Taiwan
Country-specific updates:
Japan: Over 1.9 million people ordered to evacuate, with authorities urging high alert as northern and eastern coasts face waves. Videos show residents sheltering on roofs, but no major damage reported so far.
Hawaii: Full tsunami alert in effect. Emergency shelters open, residents advised to move to higher ground. Waves up to 5 feet reported, with warnings that they “will wrap around the islands.”
US West Coast: Authorities warn residents to avoid beaches, harbours, and marinas. Monterey sheriff ordered vessel evacuations in Moss Landing, while sirens and helicopter warnings have been deployed in Los Angeles coastal areas. California’s coastline is home to nearly 27 million people.
China: Alerts issued for Zhejiang and Shanghai, with waves expected up to one metre.
Peru: Active tsunami warning; officials maintain constant surveillance.
Other affected regions: The Philippines, Indonesia, Chile, Mexico, Panama, and Taiwan have also issued tsunami advisories, watches, or warnings.
Local impact near epicentre:
In Russia’s Severo-Kurilsk district, a state of emergency was declared after tsunami waves struck, damaging boats and carrying away containers, as captured in state media footage.
This widespread alert affects tens of millions of people across the Pacific, highlighting the extensive reach of the earthquake’s impact on coastal communities.
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