A Shock Felt Across the Ocean
On July 30, 2025, a powerful 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck the eastern coast of Russia, near the Kamchatka region. The quake occurred at a shallow depth—just 19 kilometers below the surface—a key factor that increases the risk of a tsunami. Within minutes, Russian authorities and international agencies issued tsunami warnings for several parts of the Pacific Ocean.
Following the initial shock, alerts spread rapidly. Japan evacuated over 900,000 residents, while sirens blared across Hawaii in the middle of the night. Pacific nations like Guam and the Philippines also took swift precautions. With projected waves as high as 3 meters, panic and fear surged across coastal regions.
U.S. West Coast on High Alert
The U.S. West Coast, especially California, Oregon, Washington, and Alaska, was placed under a Tsunami Watch, which later escalated to an Advisory. Cities like San Diego, Los Angeles, and Seattle were warned of potential waves reaching 1.7 meters. Officials advised residents in low-lying areas to evacuate immediately as a safety measure.
Hawaii Faces the Highest Risk
In Hawaii, the threat appeared most severe. Warnings projected possible waves of up to 3 meters, prompting mass evacuations to higher ground. Roads jammed with traffic as people fled coastal zones, while emergency shelters filled quickly. Even celebrities, like Oprah Winfrey, opened private access roads to aid evacuations in Maui.
