A powerful 8.7 magnitude earthquake struck near Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula early on Wednesday, July 30, forcing evacuations and triggering tsunami warnings across the Pacific region, including Russia, Japan, Alaska, and the U.S. West Coast. Authorities in affected areas rushed to move coastal residents to safer locations.
Russia’s Kamchatka Reports First Impact
According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake hit about 85 miles (136 km) southeast of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky at a shallow depth of 19 km (12 miles). Shallow quakes often lead to stronger surface tremors and higher tsunami risks. Kamchatka Governor Vladimir Solodov confirmed that waves between 3 to 4 meters (10–13 feet) had been recorded in Yelizovo District.
In a video posted on Telegram, he said, “Today’s earthquake was serious and the strongest in decades of tremors.” Though structural damage was reported—like to a kindergarten—officials have not confirmed any injuries so far.
Evacuation in Severo-Kurilsk
Following the quake, Sakhalin Governor Valery Limarenko announced that authorities had ordered a complete evacuation of Severo-Kurilsk, a small town on the Kuril Islands south of Kamchatka. Emergency services quickly moved people inland due to the ongoing tsunami threat.
Tsunami Warnings Across Alaska and U.S. West Coast
The U.S. Tsunami Warning Center issued multiple alerts following the quake. Areas placed under different levels of threat include:
Tsunami Warning:
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Aleutian Islands, from Samalga Pass to Attu, Alaska
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Including the Pribilof Islands
Tsunami Advisory:
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South Alaska and the Alaska Peninsula, from Chignik Bay to Unimak Pass
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Aleutian Islands, from Unimak Pass to Samalga Pass
Tsunami Watch:
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California coast (from the Mexico border to Oregon), including San Francisco Bay
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Oregon and Washington coasts, Columbia River estuary, and Juan de Fuca Strait
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British Columbia: Haida Gwaii, northeast Vancouver Island, and the outer west coast
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Southeast Alaska, from the BC/Alaska border to Cape Fairweather
Officials warned that the tsunami could hit multiple locations and urged residents to follow evacuation orders and avoid beaches.
Japan Issues Nationwide Tsunami Advisory
The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami advisory for coastal regions, warning of possible waves up to 1 meter (3.3 feet). The agency expected waves to reach parts of eastern Hokkaido about 90 minutes after the quake. Officials posted this warning on X, “Tsunamis will strike repeatedly. Do not enter the sea or approach the coast until the warning is lifted.”
Japan’s government formed a special task force to monitor developments and manage emergency responses.
Guam and Pacific Islands on High Alert
A tsunami watch was also declared for Guam and parts of Micronesia, which lie along the western Pacific. These island nations often face risk from earthquakes along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a seismically active zone where tectonic plates meet.
Experts Warn About Far-Reaching Waves
University of Tokyo seismologist Shinichi Sakai explained that even distant shallow earthquakes can create tsunamis that travel long distances. Since Japan and Russia lie along the Pacific Ring of Fire, they are both highly vulnerable to earthquakes and aftershocks.
Tremor Measured As Strongest in Decades
The USGS initially rated the quake as 8.0, but later upgraded it to 8.7, calling it one of the most powerful earthquakes in recent years. The tremor struck close to Avacha Bay, near the populated city of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, which has about 165,000 residents.
Officials Continue Monitoring Situation
Authorities in Russia, the U.S., and Japan continue to track wave activity, inspect damaged buildings, and maintain emergency alerts. So far, there are no confirmed injuries, but warnings remain in place as more waves could arrive in phases.
