A powerful magnitude 8.8 earthquake struck off the east coast of Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula on Tuesday, prompting tsunami warnings and widespread evacuations across the Pacific. The U.S. Geological Survey said the quake hit about 85 miles offshore at a depth of nearly 12 miles. It is among the most powerful earthquakes ever recorded by the agency.
Aftershocks measuring 6.3 and 6.9 were also reported in the region.
Warnings across the Pacific
The National Weather Service issued a tsunami warning for Northern California, from Cape Mendocino to the Oregon border, and advisories for the rest of the California coast, Oregon, and Washington. Officials warned that the first waves could reach California around 11:50 p.m. local time and Los Angeles close to 1 a.m.
“Residents and workers in and around the L.A. Harbor area are urged to stay alert, avoid the waterline, and follow official instructions,” said L.A. Mayor Karen Bass. Huntington Beach and Orange County parks officials closed piers and beaches out of caution.
President Donald Trump posted on social media urging people to “STAY STRONG AND STAY SAFE” and to follow updates on tsunami.gov.
A Tsunami Watch is out for our coastal areas. As more information comes in, we will either see this become a Warning, an Advisory, or an Information Statement. Stay tuned for updates. https://t.co/a5BRD08RxO pic.twitter.com/8UKWk2Ee7v
— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) July 30, 2025
In Hawaii, the National Weather Service called for urgent action to protect lives and property. Officials instructed residents to evacuate low-lying areas, avoid beaches, or take shelter on upper floors. Oahu Emergency Management warned of destructive waves arriving shortly after 7:15 p.m. local time, with sirens sounding every hour as part of the statewide alert.
Governor Josh Green urged residents to leave coastal areas, warning, “If you stay on the beaches, you could risk death.”
Traffic congestion slowed evacuations, but authorities said there was still time to reach higher ground. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi asked residents to stay calm and drive carefully.
Global impact and ongoing risk
The tsunami threat extends beyond the U.S. West Coast and Hawaii. Warnings were issued for Japan’s Pacific coast, including Hokkaido, where waves about one meter high were expected around 10 a.m. local time. Alerts were also issued for Guam, American Samoa, Ecuador, and Chile.
Japan’s meteorological agency warned people to stay away from coasts and river mouths, stressing that the first wave may not be the largest. Similar advisories were echoed by emergency officials across the Pacific.
Authorities cautioned that the danger could persist for hours as multiple waves arrive. “Tsunami heights cannot be predicted and the first wave may not be the largest,” the National Weather Service said.
