Massive 8.8 Earthquake Off Russia Triggers Pacific-Wide Tsunami Alerts; Only Minor Flooding Reported So Far

CLEVELAND 13 (WCTU) — A magnitude‑8.8 undersea earthquake struck off Russia’s remote Far East at about 8:25 a.m. local time (23:24:52 UTC on July 29, 2025), centered roughly 75 miles east‑southeast of Petropavlovsk‑Kamchatsky at a depth of about 13 miles. The U.S. Geological Survey later confirmed the magnitude and details. Immediately, tsunami warnings were issued across the Pacific including Japan, Hawaii, Alaska and U.S. West Coast states. National tsunami agencies in the U.S. mobilized emergency protocols and coordinated closely with federal agencies and the National Weather Service prior to wave arrival.

The quake generated tsunami waves estimated at 10 to 16 feet along Russia’s Kamchatka and north Kuril coasts, especially in Severo‑Kurilsk where flooding damaged infrastructure and a fish‑processing plant. Evacuations began swiftly; injuries were recorded but no deaths.

In Japan, nearly two million residents, primarily in Hokkaido and other Pacific coast prefectures, were ordered to evacuate. Wave surges approached 3 feet in some areas. Transportation including ferries and railway services were suspended and Fukushima Daiichi plant staff were relocated, though no radiation incidents occurred.

In Hawaii, national agencies activated a tsunami warning; Honolulu and Maui saw evacuations and port closures. Waves peaked around 4‑5 feet, including locations like Oahu, Maui’s Kahului and Hilo. Oprah Winfrey opened her private road in Maui to assist evacuees, working with county and FEMA officials. By approximately 11 p.m. local time the warning was downgraded to an advisory.

Along the U.S. West Coast (California, Oregon and Washington) the National Tsunami Warning Center and National Weather Service issued tsunami advisories and warnings. Oregon officials warned of 1–2 ft waves and hazardous currents commencing around 11:40 p.m. Pacific time. Northern California recorded up to 4 ft surges in places like Arena Cove near the California‑Oregon border, with coastal monitoring and harbor evacuations conducted. California’s Office of Emergency Services coordinated across regions.

Alerts also extended across the eastern Pacific. Chile, Ecuador, Peru, Galápagos and French Polynesia issued evacuations and port closures. In the Marquesas Islands, waves reached nearly 8 feet.

Early coverage focused on panic, prophetic speculation and comparisons to the 2011 Tōhoku tsunami. Media mentioned predictions tied to a supposed July 5 prophecy and Japan’s June–July earthquake swarm in the Tokara Islands, though scientists affirmed no predictive value and authorities denied any link.

In reality the situation unfolded with careful response and moderate actual impact:

• Russia endured tsunami waves of up to 16 feet in Severo‑Kurilsk with flooding but no fatalities.

• In Japan, evacuations were vast and transportation disrupted; injury reports were limited.

• Across Hawaii and the U.S. West Coast wave action was modest, warnings were lifted within hours, and damage was minimal.

Meanwhile in Kamchatka, the volcano Klyuchevskoy began erupting hours after the quake, heightening local concern; authorities continued forecasting aftershocks possibly up to magnitude 7.5.

Severo‑Kurilsk officials noted: “Residents were safe and staying on high ground until the threat of a repeat wave was gone.” In Japan, a government spokesperson emphasized: “Urgent action should be taken to protect lives and property,” reflecting precautionary measures even as damage stayed low.

This magnitude‑8.8 tremor ranks among the strongest globally since 2011 and the most powerful in Kamchatka since the 1952 event. It underscores the effectiveness of national U.S. coordination, including NOAA’s tsunami monitoring networks, federal, state and local emergency services—and international engagement, illustrating how early warnings and unified preparations limited human impact.

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