A powerful 8.8-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula on the evening of Tuesday, July 29, prompting tsunami warnings and evacuation orders throughout the U.S. West Coast, Alaska, Hawaii, and northern Japan.

Initially recorded as an 8.0 by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the quake was later upgraded to 8.7, then to 8.8. It occurred at 6:24 p.m. local time and is among the strongest recorded in the region in recent years.

The tremor has triggered a coordinated emergency response spanning multiple nations across the Pacific Rim.

Tsunami Warnings Issued for U.S. States and Pacific Territories

U.S. President Donald Trump addressed the emergency on X (formerly Twitter), warning:

“Due to a massive earthquake that occurred in the Pacific Ocean, a Tsunami Warning is in effect for those living in Hawaii. A Tsunami Watch is in effect for Alaska and the Pacific Coast of the United States. Japan is also in the way. Please visit tsunami.gov for the latest information. STAY STRONG AND STAY SAFE!”

Authorities across California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, and Hawaii swiftly issued tsunami watches and warnings, cautioning that waves could reach heights of over 3 meters (10 feet). Officials also warned that the first wave may not be the most dangerous.

From Los Angeles to Seattle, and stretching from Astoria to San Diego, coastal residents were advised to prepare for possible flooding and hazardous currents between 11:20 p.m. and 1:05 a.m. PT.
In Alaska, areas such as Attu, Shemya, and Adak were evacuated, with tsunamis expected to reach the region between 4:46 p.m. and 5:46 p.m. local time.

The National Tsunami Warning Center stated: “Dangerous tsunami waves are imminent or already occurring. Evacuate coastal areas NOW. Do not wait for visual confirmation.”

Hawaii Escalates to Full Tsunami Warning

In Hawaii, a tsunami watch was elevated to a full warning at 1:33 p.m. local time, setting off sirens statewide. Waves were expected to impact northern islands such as Kauai and Oahu as early as 7:17 p.m.
Residents were urged to move to higher ground or stay above the fourth floor in multi-story buildings if evacuation wasn’t possible.

Japan Reports Early Wave Activity

In Japan, tsunami alerts were issued after a 30-centimeter wave was recorded in Hokkaido, with more powerful waves anticipated along the northern and eastern coastlines. Local authorities in multiple prefectures have activated evacuation protocols.

The quake occurred along the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area notorious for its intense seismic activity. The Kamchatka region has experienced deadly tsunamis before — notably in 1952, when a massive event killed over 2,300 people and sent waves across the Pacific.

Ongoing Emergency Response and Public Warnings

Emergency agencies throughout the Pacific, including FEMA, NOAA, and local governments, continue to monitor the situation and urge residents to stay alert, follow evacuation orders immediately, and rely on official sources for updates.

Experts warn that even areas not struck by the initial waves could experience strong and erratic ocean surges for several hours.

Residents near coastal areas are strongly advised to move inland, stay away from beaches, harbors, and piers, and remain in safe locations until authorities declare the area secure.