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Following Massive Russian Earthquake

LIVE Tsunami Updates! Giant Waves Pound U.S. and Japan 

A massive 8.8-magnitude earthquake struck 136 km east of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Russia, at a depth of 46 miles, prompting tsunami warnings across the Pacific. The quake is tied for the sixth strongest ever recorded.

Tsunami Wave

Tsunami waves have struck parts of Russia, Japan, and Hawaii, with alerts issued for dozens of countries, including the Philippines, Ecuador, Taiwan, Indonesia, Chile, Peru, Costa Rica, and parts of the U.S. West Coast and Alaska. Waves up to 5 meters (16.4 feet) were reported in Russia’s Severo-Kurilsk, while Hawaii and Japan saw smaller waves.

Regional Updates

1. Hawaii:

• Tsunami Warning: A tsunami warning was issued for the entire state, with the first waves hitting Hanalei, Kauai, around 7:10 p.m. HST yesterday. Waves measured 6 feet peak-to-trough at Midway Atoll, equivalent to a 3-foot wave above sea level, capable of moving cars and dislodging trees.

• Evacuations: Residents were urged to evacuate coastal areas to higher ground or at least the fourth floor of buildings. Maui and Oahu issued evacuation orders via sirens, with Maui residents advised to call the Maui Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) at (808) 270-7285 for details.

• Infrastructure: All commercial harbors were closed, and flights to/from Kahului Airport were canceled, with passengers sheltering in terminals. Hilo Airport remained closed as of 8:30 p.m. HST, but Hawaiian Airlines began resuming operations as airports reopened.

• Current Status: No significant damage was reported by 2:35 a.m. HST today. Governor Josh Green emphasized the waves’ force, noting they are “a different beast” from regular ocean waves.

Acording to NYT, " The state’s tsunami warning was downgraded to an advisory, meaning that it could cause dangerous currents but not necessarily further widespread flooding. Officials said that people who had evacuated could return home based on instructions from county authorities."

2. Russia:

• Impact: In Severo-Kurilsk, Sakhalin Region, tsunami waves exceeded 3 meters, with the largest reaching 5 meters, causing flooding and damaging buildings. A state of emergency was declared in the North Kuril District, but all residents were evacuated to safety zones.

• Response: Videos showed buildings submerged, boats torn from moorings, and storage containers swept away. Emergency services are active, with no reported casualties.

3. Japan:

• Tsunami Waves: Waves up to 1.3 meters were observed along the Pacific coast, with 60 cm in Hokkaido and Kuji (Iwate Prefecture) and smaller waves (10-50 cm) from Hokkaido to Miyazaki. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued warnings for Hokkaido to Wakayama and advisories for Shikoku, Kyushu, and Okinawa.

• Evacuations: Over 1.9 million people were ordered to evacuate, with coastal cities like Wakayama (175,000 people) and Ibaraki issuing orders. Residents moved to higher ground, with reports of people sheltering on rooftops in Hokkaido.

• Status: No damage or injuries were reported yet. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba urged continued vigilance, as tsunami waves could persist for at least a day, with larger waves possible after the initial ones.

4. U.S. West Coast:

• Alerts: A tsunami warning was issued for Northern California (Cape Mendocino to Oregon border), including Crescent City, with predicted waves up to 4.8 feet. The rest of California, Oregon, and Washington are under a tsunami advisory, with waves under 1 foot but dangerous currents expected.

• Specific Areas: Crescent City, a historical tsunami hotspot, faces a 30-hour threat. Port San Luis (San Luis Obispo County) could see 2-3.7-foot waves, while Monterey and Santa Cruz expect under 1 foot. Evacuation warnings were issued for Monterey Harbor and Moss Landing vessel residents.

• Timing: Waves were expected to hit Fort Bragg at 11:50 p.m. PST, Crescent City at 11:55 p.m., Monterey at 12:15 a.m., and San Francisco at 12:40 a.m. on July 30, 2025.

5. Other Regions:

• New Zealand: A low-level threat warning was issued, expecting strong currents and surges. Residents were advised to stay out of water and away from beaches, harbors, and estuaries.

• China: Concerns about larger-than-expected storm surges were raised due to the tsunami coinciding with Tropical Cyclone Co-May in Zhoushan, Zhejiang. No specific wave heights were reported.

• Philippines, Taiwan, Ecuador, and Others: Tsunami alerts were issued, with potential waves of 1-3 meters in Ecuador and Russia. No specific damage reports were available from these regions.

11:15AM: U.S. Embassy in Papua New Guinea issues tsunami threat alert for Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu. (Osint)

11:30AM: Hawaii Airports reported that the Hilo gates are now closed, with runway reopening planned. In addition, Kahului (OGG) flights canceled, HNL has resumed baggage screening and flights. (Osint)
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