One of the most powerful earthquakes in modern history struck off the eastern coast of Russia late Tuesday evening, sparking widespread tsunami alerts across the Pacific region. The earthquake, which registered a magnitude of 8.8, occurred just east of Petropavlovsk in Russia and has prompted emergency warnings for coastal areas in Hawaii, southern Alaska, the entire U.S. West Coast, British Columbia, and even as far as Japan and Guam.
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Tsunami Warnings and Advisories Across the Pacific Rim
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) confirmed that the massive seismic event triggered tsunami waves capable of threatening lives and property across a vast portion of the Pacific. According to the PTWC, “A tsunami has been generated that could cause damage along coastlines of all islands in the state of Hawaii. Urgent action could be taken to protect lives and property.”
Early projections from the PTWC indicated that tsunami waves exceeding 9 feet above the normal tide level were possible near the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands and parts of the Russian coastline. In Hawaii, Japan, and Guam, waves ranging between 3 to 9 feet (1 to 3 meters) were expected. The first waves were anticipated to strike Hawaii around 7:17 p.m. local time, corresponding to 1 a.m. Eastern Time.
@foxweather(FOX Weather) “LISTEN🚨🔊: Sirens blaring in Wailea Beach, Maui amid ongoing tsunami threat for Hawaii. Entire West Coast of U.S. on alert. Stay with FOX Weather for live coverage #weather#tsunami#alert Video credit: Jenny Welch”
July 29, 2025 https://x.com/foxweather/status/1950378149465727462
West Coast and Canadian Coastlines Brace for Impact
Although Hawaii and parts of Alaska were placed under official Tsunami Warnings, the entire U.S. West Coast and British Columbia were put under Tsunami Advisories. According to PTWC predictions, the timing for wave arrivals on the U.S. mainland would vary depending on location. Waves were expected to reach the Washington and Oregon coasts around 11:40 p.m. PT, San Francisco around 12:40 a.m. PT, and Los Angeles around 1:05 a.m. PT.
The advisory covers all inland waters connected to the Pacific Ocean, including areas such as San Francisco Bay in California, the Columbia River on the Oregon-Washington border, and the Strait of Juan de Fuca between Washington’s Olympic Peninsula and Vancouver Island in British Columbia.
Crescent City, California, is forecasted to receive the most significant impact along the West Coast, with potential waves measuring between 3 to 5.7 feet. Other locations like Point San Luis could see waves ranging from 1.7 to 3.2 feet, while Fort Bragg and Santa Barbara might experience waves up to 1.5 feet. The remaining areas along the California coastline were expected to see waves under one foot, according to PTWC estimates.
Expected Wave Heights Across the Region
British Columbia is projected to experience tsunami waves under one foot, with the exception of the Moclips area in Washington, where waves could reach up to 1.4 feet. In Oregon, Brookings and Port Orford might see waves peaking at around 2 feet, while other coastal locations are expected to remain under the one-foot mark.
Tsunami wave arrivals in Alaska were scheduled to begin in Shemya at 4:46 p.m. Alaska Daylight Time and reach Adak by 5:46 p.m. AKDT.
Japan Also Under Tsunami Warnings
The effects of the quake extended as far as Japan, where government agencies and the U.S. Embassy issued warnings for immediate evacuation. A post from the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo on X stated, “A #tsunami warning is currently in effect for the Eastern Pacific Coast of #Hokkaido and #Tohoku region, #Kanto region, Izu & Ogasawara Islands, Tokai region, and Wakayama Prefecture. Tsunami waves may arrive imminently—evacuate immediately to higher ground.”
Historical Significance of the Earthquake
According to data from the United States Geological Survey (USGS), a magnitude 8.8 earthquake would tie for the sixth-strongest quake ever recorded globally. The tremor’s immense strength and its proximity to the Pacific Rim’s vulnerable coastlines have amplified concerns about potential damage and loss of life, prompting emergency responses from multiple nations.
More Updates To Come
The extraordinary magnitude 8.8 earthquake that struck near eastern Russia has triggered tsunami warnings and advisories across the Pacific Ocean basin, affecting regions from Hawaii and Alaska to the entire U.S. West Coast, Canada, and Japan. With waves already beginning to reach shorelines, authorities are urging immediate precautions and evacuation where necessary. As officials monitor the situation closely, the Pacific remains on high alert for further seismic and oceanic activity.
