Tsunami Alerts Issued Across Pacific Following Massive Earthquake Off Kamchatka
A magnitude 8.8 earthquake off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula has triggered widespread tsunami alerts and coastal evacuations across Pacific nations, impacting regions from Japan and Taiwan to Mexico and the United States, reports 24brussels.
The powerful undersea quake, situated 136 kilometers from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, is the strongest seismic event recorded globally since the 2011 Tōhoku disaster in Japan. Initial waves of three to four meters have already reached the Russian coastline, prompting urgent responses.
Japan’s Meteorological Agency (JMA) has issued a high-level tsunami warning, predicting waves of up to three meters along much of the country’s Pacific coast. Authorities enacted evacuation orders in southeastern and central regions, including Hokkaido, Aomori, Iwate, and Miyagi. Additionally, areas such as Tokyo Bay and Osaka, currently hosting the World Expo, are under a one-meter tsunami advisory.
The Japanese government has activated an emergency task force to monitor the situation closely. Early reports indicate that tsunami waves have impacted locations including Hanasaki and Kushiro Port. Although the earthquake caused limited shaking—rated level two on Japan’s seven-tier seismic scale—it prompted a significant mobilization of emergency services.
In the United States, Hawaii Governor Josh Green declared a state of emergency, emphasizing the seriousness of the tsunami warning. “This is the most serious type of warning. It is not a watch; it is a warning, meaning we must evacuate coastal areas immediately,” Green stated on X. Emergency Operations Centers have been fully activated at both state and county levels across Hawaii.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center has extended advisories across the entire U.S. West Coast, including Alaska. In Canada, authorities in British Columbia have urged residents to avoid beaches and low-lying areas due to the potential for dangerous currents. While no major inland flooding is anticipated, officials caution that wave behavior remains unpredictable.
In Mexico, the Navy’s Tsunami Warning Center (SEMAR) has issued a bulletin forecasting waves of up to 20 centimeters starting at 2:00 a.m. local time on July 30. Despite the modest height, SEMAR warned that the associated currents could still pose significant risks, referencing past tragedies caused by seemingly small waves.
Taiwan and the Philippines have also issued tsunami alerts; Taiwan has activated its second-highest warning level and has advised residents to stay clear of coastal areas.
As tsunami activity continues, emergency authorities across the Pacific remain on high alert. Residents in affected regions are urged to follow evacuation instructions, avoid coastlines, and stay informed through official updates.
