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Tsunami Alerts Issued After Kamchatka Earthquake

Tsunami Threat Expands After Major 8.8 Earthquake Strikes Kamchatka

Intelligence cut off: 11:00 BST 30 JULY 2025

At 11:24 local time (23:24 UTC) on 30 July, a magnitude 8.8 earthquake struck near the Kamchatka Peninsula in the far east of Russia. The tremor was shallow, occurring at a depth of 20.7 kilometres. The epicentre was located 136 kilometres east-southeast of Petrovalosk-Kamchatsky.

The immediate impact in parts of Kamchatka was severe. Tsunami waves up to five metres devastated the town of Severo-Kruilsk, and strong shaking in the city of Petrovalosk-Kamchatsky caused power and mobile outages, building damage, and multiple injuries.

Tsunami warnings and evacuation orders have been triggered in coastal regions across much of the Pacific, including Japan, Hawaii, Alaska, and California. The US Tsunami Warning System has issued the following warnings:

Tsunami waves over three metres possible: Ecuador, Russia, Northwestern Hawaiian Islands

Tsunami waves between one and three metres possible: Chile, Costa Rica, French Polynesia, Guam, Hawaii, Japan, Jarvis Island, Johnston Atoll, Kiribati, Midway Island, Palmyra Island, Peru, Samoa, Solomon Islands

Tsunami waves between 0.3 and one metre possible: Antarctica, Australia, Chuuk, Colombia, Cook Islands, El Salvador, Fiji, Guatemala, Howland and Baker Islands, Indonesia, Kermadec Islands, Kosrae, Marshall Islands, Mexico, Nauru, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niue, Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Pitcairn Islands, Pohnpei, Taiwan, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Wake Island, Wallis and Futuna, American Samoa, Yap

The Japan Meteorological Agency issued warnings of tsunami heights of up to three metres for coastal areas from Hokkaido to Wakayama Prefecture, with evacuation advisories being issued for nearly two million people in over 220 municipalities. Employees at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant have been ordered to evacuate. The tallest wave recorded at the time of writing was 1.3 metres, at Kuji Port in Iwate Prefecture.

In Hawaii, evacuation warnings were issued across Maui and Oahu, including the state capital, Honolulu, with flights being cancelled as a precaution. Waves as high as 1.8 metres have been recorded near Hawaii.

INTELLIGENCE ANALYSIS

Kamchatka Peninsula Reels from Shallow 8.8 Quake and Resulting Tsunami Waves

The earthquake is the joint sixth-largest recorded globally since 1900, and the strongest since Japanʼs 2011 magnitude 9.0 Tohoku earthquake. The Kamchatka Peninsula is situated along the seismically active Pacific Ring of Fire, a horseshoe-shaped tectonic belt which spans most of the coastal Pacific and is responsible for approximately 90 per cent of the worldʼs earthquakes.

The shallow depth of the earthquake is a key cause of the extensive tsunami threat. The effects of tsunamis will almost certainly depend on the disaster resilience of the countries affected. Hawaii and Japan, two locations anticipated to experience the greatest tsunami impact, both have comprehensive disaster preparedness measures which have highly likely mitigated the potential impact.

In Japan, the suspension of high-speed rail, mass evacuations, emergency broadcasting, and automated sea gates have all contributed towards a low risk to life as of the time of writing. In Hawaii, the rapid issuance of evacuation orders and pre-emptive measures to protect critical infrastructure, such as the shutting down of water supply valves, have likewise considerably reduced the risk to life. The effectiveness of the evacuation orders in Hawaii has been notable, particularly in contrast with the emergency communications system failures that exacerbated the impact of the 2023 Maui wildfires.

In multiple areas with issued tsunami warnings, the level of disruption is high, with significant air travel disruption, high levels of traffic congestion, and the sudden suspension of business activity.

Travel and Safety Guidance in Response to Tsunami Warnings

Closely monitor local news reports and government alerts.
If in a location with an active tsunami warning, immediately move to high ground or as far inland as possible, away from the coastline.
Be alert to signs of a tsunami, such as a sudden rise or draining of ocean waters.
If you are in a boat, face the direction of the waves and go out to sea.
If near the epicentre of the earthquake, expect aftershocks. Be prepared to Drop, Cover, Hold On in case of further tremors.
During a tremor, if outside, do not enter buildings and move away from buildings, trees, streetlights and overhead lines.
If inside, pick a safe place (under a sturdy table or desk, or against an interior wall and away from windows and heavy furniture). Do not leave until the shaking stops.
If evacuating a building, always use the stairs. Look out for fires and falling debris.
Prepare an emergency ‘go bagʼ with essentials such as bottled water, batteries, important documents, and medications.
Heed evacuation orders and travel to government-issued shelters if safe to do so.
Adhere to all instructions issued by authorities.
Ensure important documents and medications are appropriately stored.
Prepare for power outages, communication disruptions, and travel delays.
Stay away from damaged buildings and affected areas until authorities deem them safe.
Avoid touching floodwaters, which can contain debris, sewage, bacteria, or chemicals.
Confirm booked flights are running prior to checking out of hotels or travelling to the airport.