Massive Earthquake off Russia Sparks 5m Tsunami, Pacific Rim on Edge

On July 30, a powerful magnitude-8.8 earthquake struck off the coast of Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, triggering tsunami waves peaking at 5 meters (16.4 ft) in Severo-Kurilsk. The town’s port was flooded, causing major damage to facilities like a fish-processing plant and a kindergarten. About 2,000 residents were evacuated as a state of emergency was declared in the North Kuril District.

Tsunami waves up to 60 cm (2 ft) reached Japan’s Hokkaido, prompting evacuation advisories for 1.9 million people. Ferry services and transport routes were suspended.

In Hawaii, waves up to 5.7 ft (1.7 m) were recorded in Maui and 4–5 ft in Oahu. Coastal roads and parking lots were inundated, flights were canceled, and highways clogged as people moved to higher ground.

Along the U.S. West Coast, including Northern California, waves of 1–1.6 ft were seen at Arena Cove and Crescent City. Authorities warned of dangerous currents, especially during high tide.

This is considered one of the region’s strongest quakes since 1952. Aftershocks up to magnitude 6.9 are expected, with ongoing tsunami advisories issued across Japan, Hawaii, New Zealand, and parts of the U.S.

Emergency services remain on high alert as infrastructure is being assessed. Coastal residents are urged to stay away from beaches and heed official updates.