An 8.8-magnitude earthquake off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula early Wednesday triggered a tsunami that sent waves across the Pacific, prompting evacuations and emergency declarations from Russia to Hawaii. Tsunami advisories have been officially cancelled for coastal regions of California, Oregon, and Washington. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center confirmed the waves do not pose a significant threat to these areas.
What to Know:
Tsunami waves up to 3.6 feet reached California, with warnings issued across the West Coast. Some of those warnings and advisories have been lifted as the day progresses.
Local authorities in French Polynesia initially warned of waves up to 13 feet, but the High Commission of the Republic in French Polynesia has since lowered the forecast to between 3.6 and 8.2 feet.
Hawaii saw water pull back by as much as 30 feet; no significant damage has been reported.
Russia reported injuries and building damage in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, with widespread outages.
Klyuchevskoy volcano in Russia erupted, prompting lava flow and explosive activity, according to geological monitors.
The Philippines, Mexico, New Zealand, and several Pacific islands also activated tsunami protocols.
In Alaska, waves nearing three feet were recorded in Adak; the advisory extended to the Aleutians and Panhandle.
The U.S. Geological Survey estimates damage could reach billions and issued a red alert for impact potential.
Newsweek’s live blog is closed.
08:03 PM EDT
Chile cancels tsunami alerts across multiple regions
Chile’s disaster response agency has canceled tsunami alerts in several regions including the Antarctic territory, Easter Island, San Felix Island, Aysén and Magallanes.
However, much of the mainland’s coastal region remains under alert, the agency said on X.
07:31 PM EDT
Ocean around San Francisco Bay area remains ‘dynamic and dangerous’
The ocean around the San Francisco Bay area remains “dynamic and dangerous” even after the tsunami warning for the region was dropped.
“Water levels are continuing to fluctuate, as the ocean remains dynamic and dangerous,” the National Weather Service said in a post on X.
The service has warned that swimming, boating and water sport conditions remains hazardous and are “vulnerable to these dangerous currents.”
The weather service announced shortly after 11 a.m. Pacific Time that the tsunami advisory for the San Francisco Bay area and California Central Coast had been cancelled. However, a tsunami watch is still in effect for parts of the northern California coast.
Water levels are continuing to fluctuate, as the ocean remains dynamic and dangerous.
* Strong ocean currents are possible.
* Hazardous swimming and boating conditions remain.
* Canoes, kayaks, and paddle boards are especially vulnerable to these dangerous currents. pic.twitter.com/65OAC6aLev
— NWS Bay Area 🌉 (@NWSBayArea) July 30, 2025
07:08 PM EDT
More than 1,000 flights were canceled, 27,000 were delayed after earthquake, tsunami
More than 1,000 flights were canceled and 27,470 were delayed around the world on Wednesday after the Russian earthquake and Pacific tsunami.
There were 1,144 cancelations, with 211 of those being in the United States. The U.S. also reported 5,395 delays in or out of the country.
China’s Pacific coast was hardest hit with 78 flights canceled at Shanghai Pudong International, with another 315 delayed. Shanghai Hongqiao International also reported 49 cancelations and 110 delays.
06:40 PM EDT
Map shows area of Californian coast still under tsunami watch
A map from tsunami.gov shows an area of Californian coast still under tsunami watch. The watch is still in effect from the Humboldt/Del Norte Line, California, to the Oregon/California border. Hawaii and much of the…
A map from tsunami.gov shows an area of Californian coast still under tsunami watch. The watch is still in effect from the Humboldt/Del Norte Line, California, to the Oregon/California border. Hawaii and much of the Central and South American Pacific coast remain under tsunami threat.
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tsunami.gov
06:25 PM EDT
Cruise passengers stranded in Hawaii as ship forced to leave early due to tsunami alert
Cruise passengers have been stranded in Hawaii after their ship was forced to depart port early after receiving the tsunami warning.
Amanda Berry, from Houston, and her family were on an excursion to a Hawaiian volcano in Hilo when they received a tsunami alert.
The group has just disembarked the tour buses when she said employees told them to go back, warning “Your ship is going to leave early. You’re going to miss it.”
The Norwegian Cruise Liner had been told to leave port and go further out to sea where it would be safe from tsunami waves.
Berry, who shared her experiences on TikTok, told NBC News that her family rushed back to the port but it was too late—they had missed the boat.
The family was guided to a shelter on Hilo until the tsunami warning was lifted earlier this afternoon. Now they are hoping to get a refund from Norwegian Cruises.
05:44 PM EDT
Russians rushed to stockpile gas after earthquake, say witnesses
Panicked people in Russia rushed to gas stations to stock up on fuel shortly after the region was hit by a 8.8 magnitude earthquake, witnesses say.
“When it happened, I was at home. The tremors lasted for four minutes. At first it seemed like they were about to stop, but they grew stronger,” Petr Shpilenok told RIA Novosti.
“Wherever you go, there’s talk of nothing but an earthquake. People are shocked. There’s a rush at gas stations. People are filling up with extra fuel, just in case.”
Others described seeing impossibly big waves shortly after the powerful quake.
05:11 PM EDT
Colombia and Ecuador cancel tsunami alerts
Colombia and Ecuador have canceled their tsunami alerts.
Ecuador’s Oceanographic and Antarctic Institute said the waves created by the Russia earthquake no longer pose a serious threat to the South American country.
However, it warned that the ocean could be unpredictable for several days.
Colombia’s national disaster risk management agency also announced that major waves were no longer likely to said no more waves will reach its Pacific coastal regions including Nariño, Cauca, Valle del Cauca and Chocó.
05:00 PM EDT
New Zealand issues new tsunami alert
New Zealand has issued a new national advisory warning residents to keep away from the water and coastal areas due to “strong and unusual currents and unpredictable surges at the shore” after the earthquake.
“Tsunami activity has already reached parts of New Zealand,” the advisory from the National Emergency Management Agency reads. “The first currents and surges are unlikely to be the largest and are expected to continue over many hours. The threat must be regarded as real until this Advisory is cancelled.”
04:20 PM EDT
Five Chile prisons to be evacuated due to tsunami threat
Chile is evacuating five prisons over the tsunami threat as the country remains on high alert after a powerful 8.8 magnitude earthquake hit Russia.
The inmates from the prisons, which all lie at low elevations putting them at potential risk, will be transferred to other jails, Chile’s Interior Minister Álvaro Elizalde told CNN Chile.
“They are being transferred to other prison facilities, geographically close, with all security protocols in place,” Elizade said. “There are five (prisons), but we won’t go into further details because these are protocols that also include other very important security components.”
03:58 PM EDT
Tsunami advisory canceled in Oregon and Washington
The National Tsunami Warning Center has canceled its advisory.
Oregon saw its highest tsunami wave at 1.4 feet (43 cm) in Port Orford, while La Push, located on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, recorded a peak of 1.3 feet (40 cm).
03:52 PM EDT
Hawaii lifts tsunami advisory as wave activity subsides
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center officially ended its tsunami advisory for all Hawaiian Islands at 8:58 a.m. HST on Wednesday, following a period of elevated wave activity triggered by a massive 8.8-magnitude earthquake near Russia.
“Tsunami wave heights across the state of Hawaii are now below advisory levels and are continuing to diminish,” the center reported, while cautioning that strong currents and minor sea level fluctuations may persist for several hours.
The highest recorded wave during the event reached 5.7 feet in Kahului, Maui, marking the peak impact across the islands.
03:34 PM EDT
New Zealand issues tsunami advisory after massive quake off Russia
New Zealand’s National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has issued a fresh tsunami advisory, warning of “strong and unusual currents and unpredictable surges” along the country’s coastlines following a powerful 8.8-magnitude earthquake near Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula.
The advisory, released early Thursday, urges residents to stay away from beaches, harbors, and estuaries, with the threat expected to persist until at least midday.
“Tsunami activity has already reached parts of New Zealand,” NEMA stated, adding that initial surges may not be the largest and could continue for several hours.
While the risk of inland flooding remains low, officials stress that the danger to swimmers, boaters, and coastal visitors is real. Civil Defence Centres have opened in some regions to support live-aboard residents.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation and advise the public to follow official updates and avoid coastal areas until the advisory is lifted.
03:15 PM EDT
Tsunami surges reach New Zealand coastlines as public urged to stay clear of water
Strong currents and wave surges are impacting New Zealand’s coastlines early Thursday morning as tsunami activity from a massive offshore earthquake reaches the South Pacific nation.
Emergency alerts sent to mobile phones nationwide warn that the threat will likely persist until at least midday. While evacuations have not been ordered, officials are urging residents to avoid beaches, harbors, rivers, and estuaries due to unpredictable water behavior.
Despite being nearly 6,000 miles from the quake’s epicenter near Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, New Zealand remains under a national advisory. Authorities caution that initial waves may not be the largest and emphasize that the risk remains until the alert is officially lifted.
The National Emergency Management Agency continues to monitor conditions and advises the public to follow official updates and stay away from coastal areas.
03:00 PM EDT
Tsunami advisories linger as experts warn of unpredictable wave patterns
Tsunami advisories remain in effect for Hawaii, parts of Alaska, and coastal regions of California following a massive 8.8 magnitude earthquake off Russia’s eastern coast.
Dave Snider, tsunami warning coordinator at the National Tsunami Warning Center in Alaska, cautioned that it’s difficult to determine when all alerts will be lifted. “It’s kind of hard to predict because this is such an impactful event and has created so many of these waves passing by,” Snider said, per AP.
02:47 PM EDT
Chile evacuates five coastal prisons amid tsunami threat
Chile has begun evacuating five low-lying prisons along its Pacific coast as tsunami warnings remain in effect following a powerful offshore earthquake.
Senapred, the country’s national disaster response agency, confirmed the evacuations Wednesday, citing the facilities’ vulnerable elevations. Interior Minister Álvaro Elizalde stated that inmates are being relocated to nearby prisons under strict emergency protocols.
02:33 PM EDT
At least 125 aftershocks of magnitude 4.4 or higher recorded near Russia
Around 125 aftershocks of magnitude 4.4 or greater have occurred near Russia since the 8.8 earthquake struck on Tuesday night, according to data from the US Geological Survey.
The most powerful aftershock occurred 45 minutes after the original quake and had a magnitude of 6.9—one of at least three of those have had a significant magnitude of more than 6.0.
The power and frequency of aftershocks generally decline in the hours and days after the initial earthquake.
02:24 PM EDT
Oprah Winfrey denies road closure amid Maui tsunami evacuation
A spokesperson for Oprah Winfrey has refuted viral claims that a private road on her Maui estate was closed to evacuees during Tuesday evening’s tsunami alert.
“As soon as we heard the tsunami warnings, we contacted local law enforcement and FEMA to ensure the road was opened. Any reports otherwise are false,” the representative stated.
Social media posts had alleged the road remained shut as residents sought higher ground, with some suggesting Winfrey only opened it following public backlash. However, local authorities confirmed the road was accessible and actively managed to support evacuation efforts.
02:11 PM EDT
Tsunami warnings end for Washington and Oregon, while parts of California, Hawaii, Alaska remain on alert
Tsunami advisories have now been canceled for coastal Washington, Oregon and parts of California following the powerful Russian earthquake.
However, the northern California coastline and south-central coast still remain under the alerts, along with Hawaii and Alaska’s Aleutian Islands.
The National Weather Service has warned that even as the tsunami alerts are lifted, the ocean will fluctuate for the next few days and could have powerful currents.
02:05 PM EDT
Tsunami waves reach Galápagos Islands, prompting caution
Tsunami waves began arriving at Ecuador’s Galápagos Islands early Wednesday, according to data from the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center cited by CNN.
Initial wave heights of approximately 3.3 feet (1 meter) were recorded near Baltra Island, while Santacruz saw smaller surges around 1.3 feet (0.4 meters).
01:45 PM EDT
What has Donald Trump said about the earthquake, tsunami warning?
President Donald Trump posted a warning about the earthquake and the resulting tsunami warning late on Tuesday, shortly after the 8.8 quake.
“Due to a massive earthquake that occurred in the Pacific Ocean, a Tsunami Warning is in effect for those living in Hawaii,” he shared on X.
“A Tsunami Watch is in effect for Alaska and the Pacific Coast of the United States. Japan is also in the way. Please visit https://tsunami.gov for the latest information. STAY STRONG AND STAY SAFE!”
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 https://t.co/wdFzeu1I0h for the…
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 30, 2025
01:34 PM EDT
Noem says she’s been in communication with Trump since earthquake
Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, said that had been in communication with President Donald Trump throughout the evening after the Russian earthquake sparked tsunami evacuations and warnings across the Pacific.
Noem said she had also been in touch with the governor of Hawaii and was “fully deployed and ready” to react to a tsunami threat.
That threat for the United States has now passed, she said.
“We anticipate minimal impact.”
DHS Sec. Noem: The threat of a major tsunami for the United States has passed. We anticipate minimal impact. I was in communication with the Governor of Hawaii and President Trump throughout the evening. We were fully deployed and ready.
🎥: @Julio_Rosas11 pic.twitter.com/9wCfgkbIF5
— TheBlaze (@theblaze) July 30, 2025
01:03 PM EDT
Thousands of flights delayed, canceled after earthquake
Hundreds of flights have been canceled and delayed around the world after an 8.8-magnitude earthquake struck Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula triggering tsunami evacuations and alerts across the Pacific.
More than 20,000 flights were delayed as of 1 p.m. Wednesday, according to FlightAware, with the eastern coast of China most impacted.
At least 305 flights were delayed and another 78 canceled at Shanghai Pudong International, with another 108 delayed and 49 canceled at Shanghai Hongqiao International.
In the U.S, 2,307 flights coming in or out of the country were delayed with another 137 canceled.
In total, nearly 1,000 flights around the world have been canceled in the wake of the quake and tsunami.
01:03 PM EDT
Tsunami alerts highlight hidden dangers of modest waves
Recent tsunami advisories issued by NOAA across parts of the U.S. have sparked concern—and confusion—over wave heights that may seem deceptively small.
Diego Melgar, director of the Cascadia Region Earthquake Science Center, emphasized that tsunami waves should be viewed more like hurricane storm surges than open-ocean swells. “It might only be three feet, but it’s a wall of water that spans hundreds of miles,” he explained, noting that such waves can flood blocks inland from the coast.
Melgar praised the swift issuance of alerts as a technological milestone, made possible by federal investments in agencies like the USGS and NOAA. The rapid response underscores the importance of early warning systems in protecting coastal communities from underestimated threats.
12:51 PM EDT
Tsunami surge damages dock in Crescent City Harbor
A powerful surge of water early Wednesday caused structural damage at Crescent City’s Inner Boat Basin, where decking on H dock was lifted and ultimately submerged, according to Harbormaster Mike Rademaker.
The incident occurred around 2:40 a.m., when several-foot-high waves overwhelmed the dock’s pilings, leading to a complete separation of the structure. No injuries were reported, but the harbor sustained visible damage.
Crescent City, located in California’s northwest corner, is no stranger to tsunami impacts. Its crescent-shaped coastline has historically amplified wave energy, including a devastating 1964 tsunami that claimed 11 lives and destroyed nearly 300 buildings.
Officials continue to assess the damage as tsunami activity persists along the Pacific coast.
12:36 PM EDT
Ecuador and Chile evacuate Pacific islands amid tsunami threat
Authorities in Ecuador and Chile ordered evacuations Wednesday on their Pacific islands following a massive 8.8-magnitude earthquake that triggered tsunami warnings across the region.
On Chile’s Easter Island, located roughly 2,300 miles off the mainland, residents and tourists moved to a church on higher ground as a precaution. Similar evacuations were underway along Chile’s Pacific coast.
In Ecuador’s Galápagos Islands, about 600 miles west of the mainland, officials directed people in vulnerable coastal areas to relocate to designated safe zones established by the national emergency agency.
Emergency teams continue to monitor wave activity as both nations remain on high alert.
12:22 PM EDT
Crescent City urged to stay vigilant as tsunami currents persist
Despite signs of subsiding waves, Crescent City remains under close watch following tsunami surges triggered by a massive offshore quake. National Weather Service lead meteorologist Matthew Kidwell warned residents that the threat isn’t over.
“The waves are slowly diminishing, but they’re pretty stubbornly persistent,” Kidwell said, adding that a downgrade from warning to advisory is likely—but not a signal to relax.
Strong ocean currents are expected to continue throughout the day, prompting officials to advise residents and visitors to avoid beaches and coastal areas. Kidwell emphasized caution into the evening, noting that even after the advisory is issued, residual currents may linger.
The city’s elevated downtown remains safe, but authorities are urging heightened awareness as conditions evolve.
12:03 PM EDT
Tsunami warning downgraded across U.S. Pacific coast
The highest-level tsunami warning issued for the U.S. coastline has been downgraded to an advisory, officials confirmed Wednesday. Northern California, previously under the warning, now joins other regions under a less severe alert.
Tsunami advisories remain active for parts of California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, and Hawaii, where smaller but potentially hazardous waves continue to pose risks. Authorities urge residents and visitors to stay clear of beaches and harbors until further notice.
12:00 PM EDT
Crescent City spared damage despite 8-foot tsunami waves
Crescent City, California, recorded the highest tsunami waves along the U.S. West Coast following the massive offshore quake near Russia, but city officials say the community avoided severe damage.
City Manager Eric Wier described the night as tense, with surges reaching up to 8 feet, matching the area’s highest annual tides. “We were fortunate this time,” Wier said, noting that the water remained within the banks of Elk Creek.
Despite the potent wave activity, downtown Crescent City stayed dry thanks to its elevated terrain. Officials continue to monitor conditions, but the city remains open and operational.
11:45 AM EDT
WATCH: Massive Russian earthquake strikes while doctors perform surgery
11:44 AM EDT
WATCH: Incredible timelapse captured eruption of Russia’s Klyuchevskoy volcano
11:33 AM EDT
Pacific tsunami alerts persist in Latin America as northern warnings ease
Several Pacific regions remain under tsunami warnings following the powerful 8.8-magnitude earthquake off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula.
Chile has raised its alert to the highest level along most of its 6,400-kilometer coastline, prompting school closures and evacuations. Easter Island, located over 2,000 miles offshore, is also under threat. Colombia issued a red alert for its Chocó region, urging residents to evacuate beaches and low-lying areas.
Tsunami alerts remain active for French Polynesia’s Marquesas Islands and Ecuador’s Galápagos Islands, where visitor sites have been closed. Warnings are also in place for Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu.
Meanwhile, Japan has lifted its tsunami warnings but maintains advisories from Hokkaido to Okinawa. The Philippines, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands have canceled their alerts, and coastal regions in Micronesia, Australia, and New Zealand are now considered safe.
Authorities across the Pacific continue to monitor wave activity and urge caution in vulnerable coastal zones.
11:16 AM EDT
Colombia evacuates Pacific coast amid tsunami threat
Colombian authorities have ordered the full evacuation of beaches and low-lying coastal zones along the Pacific shoreline following tsunami alerts triggered by a massive offshore earthquake.
Maritime traffic has also been restricted, with officials closely monitoring wave activity. The alerts come as neighboring Ecuador and other Pacific nations enact similar emergency measures in response to the quake.
11:03 AM EDT
Galápagos Islands evacuate coastal zones amid Pacific tsunami threat
Authorities in Ecuador’s Galápagos Islands have ordered precautionary evacuations from vulnerable coastal areas following tsunami warnings triggered by a massive offshore earthquake.
Residents living near the shore have been instructed to move to designated safe zones as emergency teams monitor wave activity across the Pacific.
Located roughly 600 miles off South America’s coast, the Galápagos archipelago remains on high alert as officials prioritize public safety and preparedness.
10:46 AM EDT
South America braces for tsunami as northern alerts ease
South American nations are ramping up emergency precautions as tsunami waves are expected to reach their coasts, even as alerts elsewhere are being downgraded.
In Chile, authorities have elevated the tsunami warning to its highest level along much of the Pacific coastline, prompting school closures and selective evacuations in vulnerable areas.
Colombia has issued warnings for its western regions, including Chocó and Nariño, urging beachgoers and residents in low-lying zones to head for higher ground.
Meanwhile, countries across the northern hemisphere—including the U.S.—are easing alerts as the danger fades. The ongoing disparity in responses reflects the complex ripple effects of seismic events across oceanic fault zones.
10:25 AM EDT
The most powerful earthquakes ever recorded
Earthquakes have reshaped coastlines, triggered deadly tsunamis, and altered history. Here’s a look at some of the most significant quakes ever documented by scientists:
1960 – Valdivia, Chile (Magnitude 9.5): The strongest earthquake ever recorded, it killed over 1,600 people and displaced millions.
1964 – Prince William Sound, Alaska (Magnitude 9.2): Caused massive landslides and a tsunami that reached Hawaii.
2004 – Sumatra-Andaman Islands (Magnitude 9.1): Triggered a devastating tsunami that killed more than 280,000 people.
2011 – Tōhoku, Japan (Magnitude 9.1): Led to the Fukushima nuclear disaster and widespread destruction.
1952 – Kamchatka, Russia (Magnitude 9.0): Generated Pacific-wide tsunami waves, including 30-foot surges in Hawaii.
2010 – Maule, Chile (Magnitude 8.8): Shook central Chile and prompted tsunami alerts across the Pacific.
1906 – Esmeraldas, Ecuador (Magnitude 8.8): Caused a deadly tsunami that reached as far as San Francisco.
1965 – Rat Islands, Alaska (Magnitude 8.7): Produced 35-foot waves but minimal casualties due to its remote location.
1950 – Assam-Tibet (Magnitude 8.6): Destroyed villages and caused deadly landslides in Northeast India.
2012 – Sumatra, Indonesia (Magnitude 8.6): A powerful offshore quake with limited damage but significant seismic impact.
10:09 AM EDT
Tsunami waves strike Marquesas Islands, revised forecast eases concerns
Tsunami waves began reaching the Marquesas Islands in French Polynesia early Wednesday, following a powerful offshore earthquake.
Local authorities initially warned of waves up to 13 feet, but the High Commission of the Republic in French Polynesia has since lowered the forecast to between 3.6 and 8.2 feet.
Early surges were observed on Nuku Hiva, one of the archipelago’s largest islands. Officials expect between five and ten additional waves to arrive in the coming hours and continue to advise caution along coastal areas.
Emergency services remain on alert as the region monitors ongoing wave activity.
09:57 AM EDT
Time-lapse reveals tsunami’s turbulent impact at Half Moon Bay
A striking time-lapse from Pillar Point Harbor in Half Moon Bay captured the erratic motion of boats as tsunami waves surged through the marina early Wednesday.
The National Weather Service Bay Area said that tsunamis are not single waves but a series of pulses that can persist for hours. The footage shows abrupt vertical shifts in water levels, underscoring the risk of powerful currents even without visible flooding.
Check out this time lapse of the Pillar Point Harbor in Half Moon Bay. Notice the abrupt up and down motion of the boats. A tsunami is not just one wave. It’s a packet of waves that can last for several hours. This rapid surging of water can create dangerous currents.#tsunami pic.twitter.com/qu5joaFgLG
— NWS Bay Area 🌉 (@NWSBayArea) July 30, 2025
09:44 AM EDT
Long Beach lifts tusnami advisory
The city of Long Beach has announced that it has lifted the tsunami advisory.
UPDATE⚠️The Tsunami Advisory has been lifted.
— City of Long Beach (@LongBeachCity) July 30, 2025
09:43 AM EDT
Chile issues red-level tsunami alert, cancels coastal classes
Chile’s government raised its tsunami warning to red—the highest alert level—early Wednesday, covering nearly its entire 6,400-kilometer Pacific coastline from Arica and Parinacota in the north to Magallanes in the south.
The escalation follows a powerful offshore earthquake that triggered widespread concern across the Pacific region. In response, the Education Ministry suspended classes in coastal communities to prioritize public safety.
Authorities urged residents in affected areas to evacuate to higher ground and remain alert for further updates as emergency services monitor wave activity.
09:41 AM EDT
Tsunami advisory lifted for British Columbia’s coastal stretch
The National Tsunami Warning Center has canceled its advisory for British Columbia’s coastline, spanning from the Washington border to the Alaska border.
09:40 AM EDT
Noem: Tsunami threat downgraded, FEMA ready
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem arrived in Santiago, Chile, on Wednesday morning for bilateral talks at the Ministry of Public Security. Before her meeting, Noem addressed reporters about the recent tsunami advisory affecting U.S. coastal regions.
She confirmed the threat had been downgraded for Hawaii and Alaska, with only minimal impact expected along the West Coast. The danger of a significant tsunami hitting the United States “has passed completely,” Noem said.
“We’re in really good shape right now,” Noem added. “We have downgraded the tsunami threat that was established for Hawaii and some of the regions impacting Alaska as well, but we still have a warning out and an alert for the West Coast. But we anticipate it’ll be minimal impact.”
While she had not yet spoken with California’s governor, Noem assured that federal agencies were in contact with local public safety departments. “FEMA’s role is to support—not replace—state-led emergency management,” she said.
09:27 AM EDT
About the Klyuchevskoi volcano
Klyuchevskaya Sopka, also known as Klyuchevskoi, stands as the tallest mountain in Siberia and the highest active volcano in Eurasia. Its strikingly symmetrical cone rises 100 kilometers inland from the Bering Sea, anchoring the Volcanoes of Kamchatka UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Formed around 7,000 years ago, the stratovolcano has maintained near-continuous activity since its first recorded eruption in 1697. With 110 eruptions during the Holocene Epoch, it remains one of the most active volcanoes on Earth.
The mountain’s climbing history is as dramatic as its eruptions. First ascended in 1788 by Daniel Gauss and members of the Billings Expedition, it saw a deadly descent in 1931 when climbers were struck by flying lava. Due to persistent volcanic hazards, few dare to summit it today.
Klyuchevskaya Sopka’s isolation and intensity make it a geological marvel—and a reminder of nature’s raw power.
09:14 AM EDT
Klyuchevskoy volcano erupts after massive quake in Kamchatka
A picture taken with a drone on March 16, 2021 shows members of a local search and rescue squad taking pictures of Klyuchevskoy volcano eruption on Russia’s far eastern Kamchatka peninsula.
A picture taken with a drone on March 16, 2021 shows members of a local search and rescue squad taking pictures of Klyuchevskoy volcano eruption on Russia’s far eastern Kamchatka peninsula.
Maxim Fesyunov/Getty Images
Russia’s Klyuchevskoy volcano began erupting Wednesday following a powerful 8.8-magnitude earthquake off the Kamchatka Peninsula.
Geological monitors reported lava descending the western slope and explosive activity at the summit, accompanied by a bright glow above the crater.
Located roughly 280 miles north of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Klyuchevskoy is among the world’s tallest active volcanoes and has a history of frequent eruptions.
The quake caused structural damage and injuries in the region, though no fatalities have been confirmed. Authorities continue to monitor both seismic and volcanic activity.
09:08 AM EDT
Northern California under tsunami warning, advisories stretch across Pacific coast
A tsunami warning has been issued for Cape Mendocino in Northern California following an 8.8-magnitude earthquake off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula. The National Weather Service says evacuation is recommended due to the risk of widespread coastal flooding and strong currents.
Tsunami advisories remain active for the broader US West Coast, Hawaii, and much of Alaska’s shoreline. Officials urge residents to stay out of the water and avoid beaches, harbors, and marinas.
The first waves are expected to reach Hawaii and Alaska by midday, with California’s coastline potentially impacted shortly after. Emergency agencies continue to monitor the situation and advise caution in all affected areas.
08:54 AM EDT
Central and South America issue tsunami alerts
Governments across Central and South America have issued tsunami warnings and evacuation orders following the 8.8-magnitude earthquake off Russia’s eastern coast.
In Colombia, officials warned of strong currents and possible waves along the Pacific shoreline, urging evacuations in Nariño and Chocó. Chile activated a yellow alert and suspended coastal school activities, with Easter Island expected to be among the first impacted.
Panama advised residents to stay away from beaches until midday, while Ecuador’s navy warned of imminent danger to the Galápagos Islands, forecasting waves up to 1.4 meters.
Authorities across the region continue to monitor conditions and urge caution near coastal areas.
08:38 AM EDT
Peru braces for tsunami waves up to 7.58 feet
Peru’s national emergency center has issued a tsunami warning for its Pacific coastline, forecasting waves between 3.28 and 7.58 feet to arrive on Wednesday.
The first surge is expected to reach the port of La Cruz at 10:09 a.m. local time. With major cities lining Peru’s vulnerable shoreline, authorities urge coastal communities to remain alert and avoid beaches.
08:24 AM EDT
Northern California still under tsunami warning as wave activity persists
A 40-mile stretch of Northern California coastline—from south of Klamath to the Oregon border—remains under a tsunami warning Wednesday morning, the highest alert level issued by the National Weather Service.
Crescent City, known for its vulnerable underwater terrain, recorded a 3.6-foot tsunami wave earlier in the day. Experts say the region’s bathymetry can amplify wave strength, funneling surges through narrow underwater valleys.
Officials urge residents to stay away from beaches and harbors, warning that tsunami activity may continue for hours.
08:11 AM EDT
Japan downgrades final tsunami alert, advisories remain active
Japan has officially downgraded its last remaining tsunami alert following the massive offshore earthquake near Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, AP reports.
08:11 AM EDT
Russia lifts tsunami warning, but risks linger in Kamchatka
Russian officials have canceled tsunami alerts for the Kamchatka Peninsula and Kuril Islands following the massive 8.8-magnitude earthquake off the Pacific coast.
Despite the downgrade, the Emergency Ministry cautioned that aftershocks as strong as magnitude 7.5 remain likely.
Scientists also warned of potential additional tsunami waves in Avacha Bay, near the regional capital of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky.
07:58 AM EDT
Tsunami surge hits California coast with rip currents, minor flooding
While Southern California has seen relatively mild effects from the Pacific tsunami, National Weather Service officials report noticeable water surges along west- and northwest-facing beaches.
Dr. Ariel Cohen, meteorologist in charge of the Los Angeles/Oxnard office, highlighted areas like Port San Luis, Ventura Harbor, and Santa Monica as experiencing minor coastal inundation and powerful rip currents.
“These are lighter impacts,” Cohen said, per CNN, “but they still pose serious risks.”
07:45 AM EDT
Russia lifts tsunami alert in Severo-Kurilsk after quake
Authorities in Russia’s Far East have officially cancelled the tsunami alert for Severo-Kurilsk, a coastal town in the Kuril Islands, following the massive 8.8-magnitude earthquake that struck near Kamchatka.
07:44 AM EDT
Chile declares Red Alert after massive quake triggers tsunami threat
Chile’s National Disaster Risk Management Service (SENAPRED) has issued a Red Alert for a tsunami across its continental coastal border, from Arica and Parinacota to Magallanes, including insular and Antarctic territories.
The Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service of the Chilean Navy (SHOA) confirmed the quake’s epicenter 134 km southeast of Petropavlovsk and validated tsunami risk with the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center.
Evacuations are underway across multiple regions, with staggered start times aligned to projected wave arrival. Schools along the coast have suspended classes, and emergency committees have been activated nationwide.
Authorities urge residents to follow official instructions and remain in safe zones until further notice.
07:43 AM EDT
Point Reyes sees peak tidal shift hours after tsunami wave
The National Weather Service Bay Area reported early Wednesday that Point Reyes recorded the highest tidal deviation yet, 1.99 feet at 4:00 a.m., more than three hours after the initial tsunami wave reached California’s coast.
Tidal fluctuations and dangerous currents continue to pose risks along the shoreline.
Pt. Reyes reporting the highest tidal deviation yet (1.99 ft at 4:00 AM). This is more than 3 hours after the initial tsunami wave arrived. Wait for the all clear, this is far from over. #CAwx pic.twitter.com/xscKTdo1gi
— NWS Bay Area 🌉 (@NWSBayArea) July 30, 2025
07:30 AM EDT
Tsunami warnings lifted for Kamchatka and Kuril Islands amid continued risk
Officials on Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula and the Kuril Islands have lifted tsunami warnings following a major offshore earthquake, regional authorities confirmed early Wednesday.
07:25 AM EDT
Hilo airport temporarily closed to aid beach town evacuation
Hilo International Airport on Hawaii’s Big Island was shut down Tuesday evening to assist with evacuations from Keaukaha, a coastal neighborhood situated just north of the runway. The closure was ordered to allow residents safe passage out of the area, which is lined with beach parks and has only one major exit route.
According to a state government statement, flights connecting to Maui were also suspended, and baggage services were briefly halted at Honolulu’s primary airport.
Keaukaha’s limited infrastructure and proximity to the airport made rapid response essential during the emergency.
07:02 AM EDT
Tsunami Swells Intensify Along Northern California Coast
Tsunami-driven tides continue to escalate in Northern California as high tide neared on Wednesday morning, with the National Weather Service confirming peak water levels of 3.6 feet (1.1 meters) in Crescent City, 3.0 feet (.9 meters) in Arena Cove, and 1.2 feet (.4 meters) in Humboldt Bay. Crescent City and Arena Cove saw waves high enough to cause minor coastal flooding, according to a statement from the NWS Eureka office.
As tsunami activity persists, the service urged the public to avoid beaches and harbors, noting that further surges are expected throughout the day. Crescent City officials echoed these warnings on social media, advising residents that additional surges could impact low-lying areas during the approaching high tide. The city urged the public to steer clear of coastal areas and waterways to ensure safety.
06:41 AM EDT
Washington Hit by Tsunami Waves
The first tsunami waves have been recorded in Washington state:
The first tsunami waves have arrived over the last 30 to 45 minutes at both La Push & Westport as shown on the tide gauges. Keep away from the water and shore until local officials say it is safe to return. #WAwx pic.twitter.com/nS4dVdVDKS
— NWS Seattle (@NWSSeattle) July 30, 2025
06:39 AM EDT
Tsunami Warnings Downgraded in Hawaii and Parts of Japan
Authorities in Hawaii and parts of Japan have downgraded earlier tsunami warnings, signaling a reduction in immediate danger but urging continued caution. Hawaii lifted statewide evacuation orders late Wednesday, allowing residents to return home, though a tsunami advisory remains in effect.
Maj. Gen. Stephen Logan, Adjutant General of the Hawaii Department of Defense, emphasized that while the threat has diminished, strong currents, hazardous waves, and potential flooding in coastal areas and harbors are still possible.
In Japan, the Meteorological Agency lowered its tsunami warning to an advisory along the Pacific coast south of Fukushima, though full alerts remain in place farther north.
06:20 AM EDT
French Polynesia Warned of 13ft High Tsunami Waves
A new tsunami warning has been issued for the Marquesas Islands archipelago in French Polynesia.
Authorities warned that waves of up to 4 meters (13 feet) could hit the islands later today.
French Polynesia comprises more than 100 sparsely populated islands and atolls scattered over an expanse roughly the size of Western Europe. The low-lying islands are vulnerable to tsunamis.
A view of the shoreline in Apia, Samoa’s capital on July 30, 2025, as a tsunami warning remains in effect. Tsunamis hit parts of Russia’s Far East and Japan on July 30 after a huge…
A view of the shoreline in Apia, Samoa’s capital on July 30, 2025, as a tsunami warning remains in effect. Tsunamis hit parts of Russia’s Far East and Japan on July 30 after a huge magnitude 8.8 earthquake, with warnings in place around the Pacific of waves of over three metres (10 feet) in places.
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MANAUI FAULALO/AFP via Getty Images
06:12 AM EDT
New Zealand Warns of ‘Strong and Unusual Currents and Unpredictable Surges’
New Zealand’s emergency management agency issued a nationwide coastal alert Wednesday, warning of “strong and unusual currents and unpredictable surges” expected to affect all shorelines later in the evening. While no evacuations were ordered, the government advised residents to immediately leave beaches, harbors, marinas, and estuaries, and to stay out of the water.
The alert, sent directly to mobile phones across the country, follows the massive 8.8-magnitude earthquake near Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula that triggered tsunami warnings across the Pacific. Officials emphasized the potential for hazardous conditions despite the absence of large, visible waves, urging the public to remain cautious until the threat has passed.
05:50 AM EDT
Surgeons Continue With Operation During 8.8 Magnitude Quake
Russia’s RT broadcaster posted a clip from a video system in the operating theater of a Kamchatka hospital as four medical personnel were performing surgery as the 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck.
Medical equipment and the patient lying on the operating table shook violently as the medical staff reached out to hold things steady, leaning over the patient to try to stop the rocking. The shaking went on for at least 20 seconds.
“Doctors in Kamchatka kept calm during the powerful quake — and never stopped the surgery,” RT said in a post on X.
“They stayed with the patient until the end,” RT said, adding: “The patient is doing well, according to the Health Ministry.”
05:46 AM EDT
3.6ft Wave Surge Recorded on California-Oregon border
A 3.6ft wave surge has been recorded by the National Tsunami Warning Center at Crescent City near the California-Oregon border:
05:37 AM EDT
Pacific Island Nations Issue Warnings as Tsunami Threat Looms
Governments across the South Pacific issued urgent warnings Wednesday, advising residents to steer clear of coastlines amid heightened tsunami fears following a powerful offshore earthquake near Russia.
While no formal evacuations were ordered, officials in Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Solomon Islands called on communities to review evacuation routes and remain alert for further instructions.
Many of these small, low-lying island nations are acutely vulnerable to tsunami surges and rising sea levels, placing them at the forefront of global coastal risk. Authorities emphasized that beaches and waterfront areas should be avoided until the threat of wave activity fully subsides. The regional caution underscores the persistent danger tsunamis pose to some of the world’s most exposed and climate-fragile populations.
05:29 AM EDT
Watch: Japanese Ships Flee Port
Data from the ship-tracking website MarineTraffic showed fleets of Japanese fishing boats evacuating the port of Kushiro in the northernmost prefecture of Hokkaido.
The boats evacuated the port, which is about 990 miles from the epicenter, in search of deeper waters in the Northern Pacific amid tsunami warnings issued by the Japanese government.
Tokyo says its military has been put on standby to assist in evacuations and possible disaster relief following the earthquake off the nearby Kamchatka Peninsula.
After Japan’s mega quake in 2011—measuring 9.1—giant tsunami waves nearly 130 feet high swept fishing boats and other debris inland, causing the loss of life and livelihoods. In an updated advisory issued on Wednesday, the Japan Meteorological Agency said the temblor could see waves as high as 10 feet to reach the shores of Hokkaido in the north and Tokyo Bay in the south.
Residents in high-risk areas have been cautioned to resist the urge to observe incoming tsunami waves from the coast.
05:25 AM EDT
California: ‘Rapid and Damaging Surge’
The NAtional Weather Service in Los Angeles has recorded a “rapid and damaging surge, going from low to high tide in just a few minutes.”
The warning states the danger could persist for the next 24 hours, and warns people to stay away from inundated areas.
The Port San Luis gauge shows a rapid and damaging surge, going from low to high tide in just a few minutes. Do not return to inundated areas as waters will recede, but could return multiple times through the next 24 hours, and the first wave may not be the largest. #Tsunami pic.twitter.com/ML2XrPg4A3
— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) July 30, 2025
05:20 AM EDT
Major Tsunami Not Expected in Hawaii
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre has downgraded the earlier tsunami alert to an “advisory”.
“Pacific Tsunami Warning Center REDUCED the alert level for Hawaii to a TSUNAMI ADVISORY,” the Hawaii County Civil Defence Agency said on X.
“Unusually strong currents and waves still possible close to the shore and in harbors. Officials are assessing damage but have NOT reopened coastal evacuation areas. Stay clear of these areas.”
EVACUATION LIFTED: The County of Hawai’i has canceled the evacuation order for coastal inundation zones. Use caution in returning and watch out for damage. Shelters will remain open until 7 a.m. Wednesday. County beach parks remain closed.
— COH Civil Defense (@CivilDefenseHI) July 30, 2025
05:15 AM EDT
Colombia Evacutaion Orders Issued
People in Chocó and Nariño on the east coast of Colombia have been ordered to evacuate coastal areas and move inland, to higher ground.
It is currently 4.15 a.m. in Colombia.
05:11 AM EDT
Flooding at Hawaii Beach Areas
As darkness fell over the Hawaiian islands, a news channel reported coastal flooding at Kahului on Maui island. Some parking lots were flooded at Haleiwa on Oahu island and at Maunalua Bay, near Honolulu, a parking lot was also flooded.
At Haleiwa, a reporter said a harbor-side parking area was flooded by “ankle-deep” seawater but it drained away quickly.
There was “significant flooding” at Hilo, on Hawaii island, a news channel reported. It gave no details and there were no reports of damage.
Some web cams set up at beaches in the island chain did show water receding at around dusk, leading to fears that big waves would soon follow, but the waves that came back up the shore were not as destructive as anticipated.
Police officers ask people to evacuate an empty beach due to a tsunami warning in Fujisawa city, Kanagawa prefecture on July 30, 2025. Tsunamis hit parts of Russia’s Far East and Japan on July 30…
Police officers ask people to evacuate an empty beach due to a tsunami warning in Fujisawa city, Kanagawa prefecture on July 30, 2025. Tsunamis hit parts of Russia’s Far East and Japan on July 30 after a huge magnitude 8.8 earthquake, with warnings in place around the Pacific of waves of over three metres (10 feet) in places.
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YUICHI YAMAZAKI/AFP via Getty Images
05:00 AM EDT
Tsunami Waves Hit San Francisco
The first tsunami waves have been recorded in San Francisco:
Tsunami wave arrival in San Francisco around 1:12 AM.
A couple of things to keep in mind here. These graphs we’re posting simply show the observed arrival of the initial tsunami wave, NOT the peak magnitude.#tsunami #CAwx pic.twitter.com/EkcmZZpu0j
— NWS Bay Area 🌉 (@NWSBayArea) July 30, 2025
04:57 AM EDT
Water recedes at Hawaii beaches
Hawaii Gov. Josh Green said officials observed water receding by 20 to 30 feet (6 to 9 meters) at Haleiwa Harbor on Oahu.
The receding waves left boats to lay on dry rock and sand. “That gave us pause,” Green said.
Large traffic jams were reported across Hawaii as people fled coastal areas.
A traffic jam forms in Honolulu Tuesday, July 29, 2025 as people heed a tsunami evacuation warning that coincided with rush hour following a powerful earthquakes in Russia’s Far East early Wednesday.
A traffic jam forms in Honolulu Tuesday, July 29, 2025 as people heed a tsunami evacuation warning that coincided with rush hour following a powerful earthquakes in Russia’s Far East early Wednesday.
AP Photo
04:50 AM EDT
Oprah Responds to Claims Private Road Closed
Oprah Winfrey has responded after viral social media posts claimed she kept her private road closed off despite tsunami warnings in Hawaii, with other roads gridlocked with people fleeing the coast to reach higher ground.
In a statement shared with Newsweek, a spokesperson for Winfrey said: “As soon as we heard the tsunami warnings, we contacted local law enforcement and FEMA to ensure the road was opened. Any reports otherwise are false.”
READ IN FULL: Oprah Winfrey Responds to Claims Private Road Closed During Hawaii Tsunami
04:46 AM EDT
Pacific Tsunami Warning Center Gives Update
Chip McCreery of the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center gave an update on the Hawaii tsunami waves.
He said the biggest waves were recorded in Kahului at 11 feet from crest to trough
“We want this to go down to everything less than a three-foot amplitude, or six feet crest to trough, and most gauges are below that.”
“We will be monitoring again over the next hour hopefully then the decision can be made to drop our alert level down to advisory.”
Cancellation of the advisory would probably come some time on Wednesday morning, he said.
04:35 AM EDT
Evacuations in Hawaii
04:29 AM EDT
Tsunami Waves Hit California
Tsunami waves have reached California, the National Weather Service has recorded.
The first area affected is Arena Cove, Mendocino County.
“Waves will continue to build in through the night and will become more dangerous as we approach high tide,” the service posted on X, adding: “Stay away from beaches!”
An extreme tsunami warning has been issued for California’s Northern Humboldt Coast. The NWS warning stated: “If you are located in this coastal area, move inland to higher ground.
“Tsunami warnings mean that a tsunami with significant inundation is possible or is already occurring. Tsunamis are a series of waves dangerous many hours after initial arrival time. The first wave may not be the largest.”
04:21 AM EDT
Fukushima Nuclear Plant Evacuated, Japan Under Tsunami Warning
Workers at the Fukushima nuclear plant were evacuated Wednesday after the earthquake off Russia.
“We have evacuated all workers and employees,” a spokeswoman for the plant operator said, while adding that “no abnormality” had been observed at the site.
The operator said it was halting the discharge of water into the sea from the stricken plant.
“To ensure absolute safety, we suspended the discharge of…treated water at 9:05 a.m. on July 30, 2025 in accordance with the issuance of a tsunami advisory,” the company said.
Units five and six of the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power station are seen through a bus window in Okuma on November 12, 2011. Japan took a group of journalists inside the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear…
Units five and six of the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power station are seen through a bus window in Okuma on November 12, 2011. Japan took a group of journalists inside the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant for the first time, stepping up its efforts to prove to the world it is on top of the disaster.
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DAVID GUTTENFELDER/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
“We have confirmed that all personnel at Fukushima Daiichi and Fukushima Daini Nuclear Power Stations have evacuated to higher ground, and no injuries have been reported at this time.”
“We have also confirmed that there are no abnormalities in plant parameters or equipment at both plants. We will continue to closely monitor tsunami information and any impacts to the plants.”
In 2011, around 18,000 people were killed in Japan when a magnitude 9 quake off its east coast triggered a tsunami that battered coastal communities on the main island of Honshu.
Tsunami waves swamped back-up power and cooling systems at Tokyo Electric Power Company’s Fukushima Daiichi plant north of Tokyo, eventually causing meltdowns at three of six reactors, and the world’s worst nuclear disaster since Chernobyl.
About 160,000 people were forced to flee from their homes.
04:16 AM EDT
Several Whales Washed Ashore by Tsunami in Japan
Several whales have been seen washed ashore in Japan by tsunami waves, following a massive earthquake off the eastern coast of Russia.
A video shared on the social media platform X shows four whales beached on what was reported as Hirasuna Beach in Chiba, on Wednesday.
READ IN FULL: Whales Washed Ashore by Tsunami in Japan
04:00 AM EDT
Russia Declares State of Emergency on Kuril Islands After Tsunami Strikes
Russian authorities have declared a state of emergency on the Kuril Islands after a series of tsunami waves inundated the region in the wake of the massive offshore earthquake.
The waves, reported to have reached heights of over 3 meters (9.8 feet), flooded the fishing port of Severokurilsk—the islands’ primary settlement—and knocked out power across the area. Emergency crews are working to assess damage and restore critical infrastructure.
The crisis has unfolded against the backdrop of a long-standing territorial dispute with Japan, which maintains its claim to the southernmost four islands—known in Japan as the Northern Territories. Seized by the Soviet Union at the close of World War II, the contested archipelago remains a source of deep geopolitical friction and has prevented the two nations from signing a formal peace treaty for over seven decades.
03:45 AM EDT
Most Powerful Quake in Over a Decade
Wednesday’s earthquake off Russia’s far east coast is thought to have been the strongest recorded globally in over a decade.
Initially measured at magnitude 8.0, the quake was later revised upward to 8.8 by the U.S. Geological Survey, placing it among the most powerful seismic events in modern history.
It is the most significant quake since the catastrophic 9.0-magnitude earthquake off northeast Japan in March 2011, which triggered a devastating tsunami and the Fukushima nuclear disaster. Seismologists note that only a handful of stronger quakes have ever been recorded, underscoring the extraordinary intensity of Wednesday’s event.
Here are the top ten in history:
Biobío, Chile (1960): The most powerful earthquake in recorded history—9.5 magnitude—struck central Chile, claiming 1,600 lives and sending tsunamis across the Pacific.
Prince William Sound, Alaska (1964): A 9.2 magnitude quake, the strongest ever in the U.S., rocked southern Alaska for nearly five minutes. The disaster and resulting tsunami killed over 130 people.
Sumatra, Indonesia (2004): A catastrophic 9.1 magnitude earthquake unleashed a tsunami that swept across Southeast Asia, South Asia, and East Africa, leaving 230,000 dead in one of the deadliest natural disasters in modern history.
Tohoku, Japan (2011): The 9.1 magnitude undersea quake off northeastern Japan triggered a towering tsunami and the Fukushima nuclear crisis. The combined disaster killed more than 18,000 people.
Kamchatka, Russia (1952): A 9.0 magnitude earthquake struck Russia’s remote Far East, causing extensive damage but, remarkably, no confirmed fatalities.
Biobío, Chile (2010): Another seismic blow to Chile—this time an 8.8 magnitude quake that rocked the capital Santiago and killed around 500 people.
Esmeraldas, Ecuador (1906): An 8.8 magnitude quake and tsunami devastated Ecuador’s coast, resulting in approximately 1,500 deaths.
Rat Islands, Alaska (1965): An 8.7 magnitude earthquake shook Alaska’s remote western isles, generating a 35-foot-high tsunami and illustrating the persistent seismic threat to the region.
Tibet (1950): A powerful 8.6 magnitude quake ravaged the mountainous region, killing at least 780 people and setting off landslides across the Himalayas.
Sumatra, Indonesia (2012): Another powerful earthquake struck off northern Sumatra’s coast with a magnitude of 8.6, reinforcing the island’s position at the heart of one of the world’s most volatile seismic zones.
03:30 AM EDT
What Is a Tsunami and What Happens When It Hits Shore?
The word tsunami comes from the Japanese words for harbor and wave. It is a fast-traveling wave usually triggered by vertical movements of the sea floor as a result of an off-shore earthquake.
Tsunami waves can travel at up to 600 miles per hour, fanning out across oceans from the epicenter of the quake.
TV monitors show news flash after a powerful earthquake in Russia’s Far East prompted tsunami warnings in parts of Japan, in Osaka, western Japan Wednesday, July 30, 2025.
TV monitors show news flash after a powerful earthquake in Russia’s Far East prompted tsunami warnings in parts of Japan, in Osaka, western Japan Wednesday, July 30, 2025.
Kai Naito/Kyodo News via AP
Tsunami waves involve movement of the entire water column from surface to sea floor. So while the height of normal waves and tsunami waves is similar in deep ocean water, near shore, tsunami waves slow and swell, reaching heights of 30 feet or more as they crash onto the coast.
About 59 percent of the world’s tsunamis have occurred in the Pacific Ocean, 25 percent in the Mediterranean Sea, 12 percent in the Atlantic Ocean and 4 percent in the Indian Ocean, according to historical records.
An earthquake of more than 9 magnitude off Indonesia’s Sumatra island in 2004 brought death and destruction to countries all around the Indian Ocean, including Indonesia, Thailand, Myanmar, India, Sri Lanka and Africa’s Kenya and Tanzania, killing some 230,000 people in all.
03:17 AM EDT
Huge Quake Rocks Russia’s Far East
The massive undersea earthquake jolted Russia’s Far East early Wednesday, sending shockwaves through the Kamchatka Peninsula and prompting urgent evacuations along the Pacific Rim.
Initially measured at magnitude 8.0 by seismologists in Japan and the U.S., the quake was later upgraded by the U.S. Geological Survey to a powerful 8.8, striking at a shallow depth of 20.7 kilometers (13 miles).
The map above locates the epicenter of an 8.8 magnitude earthquake in Russia that has triggered tsunami warnings across the Pacific Ocean.
The map above locates the epicenter of an 8.8 magnitude earthquake in Russia that has triggered tsunami warnings across the Pacific Ocean.
AP Graphic
The epicenter lay roughly 74 miles southeast of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, a city of 180,000 on the rugged Kamchatka Peninsula.
Waves from the initial tsunami hit Severo-Kurilsk, the primary settlement on the Kuril Islands, according to regional Governor Valery Limarenko.
In this image taken from a video released by Russian Emergency Ministry Press Service, rescuers inspect a kindergarten damaged by an earthquake in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Russia, Wednesday, July 30, 2025.
In this image taken from a video released by Russian Emergency Ministry Press Service, rescuers inspect a kindergarten damaged by an earthquake in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Russia, Wednesday, July 30, 2025.
Russian Emergency Ministry Press Service via AP
Around 2,700 residents were safely evacuated to higher ground, with officials warning of possible follow-up surges. On the mainland, buildings swayed and some sustained structural damage in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky.
This image taken from a video released by Geophysical Service of the Russian Academy of Sciences, shows the aftermath of tsunami hitting the coastal area of Severo-Kurilsk at Paramushir island of Kuril Islands, Russia, Wednesday,…
This image taken from a video released by Geophysical Service of the Russian Academy of Sciences, shows the aftermath of tsunami hitting the coastal area of Severo-Kurilsk at Paramushir island of Kuril Islands, Russia, Wednesday, July 30, 2025.
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Geophysical Service of the Russian Academy of Sciences via AP
The quake was followed by multiple strong aftershocks, including one registering 6.9 in magnitude, keeping the region on edge.
03:07 AM EDT
Pacific Warning Center Update
Chip McCreery of the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, told a news briefing:
“We want to monitor this for quite a few wave cycles to make sure the pattern is really going down, and it’s not going to pop back up again.”
On damage, McCreery said:
“So far we haven’t seen anything too big but it’s still a little bit early.”
“We’re not out of the woods yet but I’m quite happy that, at least on our gauges, we haven’t seen numbers like 10 feet above normal sea level. The biggest ones are close to 10 feet, crest to trough.”
“We’ve seen quite a few cycles and there haven’t been any surprises. It did grow after the first wave but it hasn’t grown very quickly after that. In most places, maybe we’ve seen the worst of it.”
03:05 AM EDT
Map Shows US Areas Under Tsunami Threat
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Tsunami Warning Center (TWC) maps show Hawaii, parts of Alaska’s Aleutian Islands, and a portion of Northern California are currently under a rare tsunami warning—the highest level of alert—while the remainder of the U.S. West Coast is under a less severe tsunami advisory.
US West Coast tsunami warnings
US West Coast tsunami warnings
NOAA
In Oregon and Washington waves were expected to begin round 11:35p.m. PT. In California, waves were expected to arrive shortly after 11:50 p.m. PT, reaching San Francisco Bay around 12:40 a.m. PT and Los Angeles Harbor by 1:00 a.m. PT.
READ IN FULL: Tsunami Warning Map Shows US Areas Under Threat
02:58 AM EDT
Tsunami Impacts Could Last Hours
Dave Snider, tsunami warning coordinator with the National Tsunami Warning Center in Alaska, said the impacts could be felt for many hours:
“A tsunami is not just one wave. It’s a series of powerful waves over a long period of time. Tsunamis cross the ocean at hundreds of miles an hour — as fast as a jet airplane — in deep water. But when they get close to the shore, they slow down and start to pile up. And that’s where that inundation problem becomes a little bit more possible there.”
02:51 AM EDT
Hawaii Governor Josh Green: Black Hawk Helicopters Activated
Hawaii Governor Josh Green has given a briefing, stating large waves have already struck the islands and they are on alert for more:
“There’s multiple readings of the waves all across the Pacific and all across the islands. So there’s a printout that we see dozens of those measurements and they’ve ranged from 0.23 meters in some cases to over a meter. So we have had a couple of waves of that size. The largest wave we believe we saw was in Haleiwa, well over a meter,” he said, referring to a Hawaii beach.
Hawaii tsunami alerts in place.
Hawaii tsunami alerts in place.
NOAA
“Of course, the pause that we had was also watching the shoreline recede when we saw the water pull back 20 or 30 feet. That seemed like an anticipated large wave, that’s what we’ve all seen historically.”
“We’re really hoping that we are soon out of harm’s way. We don’t want anyone to let their guard down. We want it to go another couple of hours. As the waves cycle smaller and smaller, that’s how we know that we’re ending this concern.”
He said Black Hawk helicopters have been activated and high-water vehicles were ready to go in case authorities need to rescue people.
A Hawaii television network broadcast pictures of a flooded beach-side parking lot at Coconut Island, in Hilo.
02:45 AM EDT
Tsunami Sirens in Northern California as Warning Issued
Tsunami sirens sounded late Tuesday night in Crescent City, a remote coastal community in Northern California, as officials warned residents to steer clear of beaches and waterways following a Pacific-wide alert.
“You are hearing a Tsunami Siren. We are under a Tsunami Warning. Please stay away from beaches and waterways. A predicted wave may hit at 11:55 pm. We are waiting on additional information about any level of evacuation,” read a post from the City Hall Facebook account.
The town of 6,000, nestled near the Oregon border, is no stranger to tsunami devastation—in 1964, a deadly 21-foot wave triggered by an Alaskan earthquake killed 11 people and flattened much of its downtown. Local authorities continue to monitor the threat as new information emerges.
The coastline of California under tsunami warning.
The coastline of California under tsunami warning.
NOAA
02:40 AM EDT
Japan Issues Evacuation Advisories for Nearly 2 Million Amid Tsunami Threat
On Japan’s eastern seaboard, nearly 2 million residents in over 220 coastal municipalities have been placed under evacuation advisories, the Fire and Disaster Management Agency has announced.
The sweeping alerts come in response to waves generated by a powerful offshore earthquake near Russia’s Far East.
Authorities continue to urge coastal communities to remain on high alert.
02:38 AM EDT
Tsunami Alert: Live Wind Waves Tracker Map
This interactive map from Windy.com slow live wind waves tracker for the region where tsunami alerts are in place: