A massive 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula on July 29–30, 2025, prompting tsunami alerts across the Pacific—including in Hawaii, Japan, and along the U.S. West Coast.
Hawaii: Orders Ended, Advisory Remains
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Following the quake, statewide tsunami warnings in Hawaii were issued and evacuation orders were put into effect on the Big Island and Oʻahu.
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By Wednesday morning, the warning had been downgraded to an advisory, and evacuation orders were officially lifted. Residents were urged to avoid beaches and harbors due to strong currents and sea‑level fluctuations.
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Recorded wave heights peaked at approximately 6 feet in some locations, with no major damage reported.
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Flights resumed, and emergency services stood down after a tense night as traffic jammed inland areas during evacuations.
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U.S. West Coast: Warning Downgraded, Advisory Ongoing
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Initial tsunami warnings covered parts of northern California near the Oregon border, but were soon downgraded to advisories across California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, and British Columbia.
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Tsunami waves ranging from 1 to 4 feet were observed: Northern California (Crescent City), San Francisco, and other coastal zones saw minor inundation, but no major destruction so far .
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As Crescent City officials noted, though waves peaked at about 3.6 feet, downtown remained largely unaffected thanks to elevation. Still, strong currents and surges persisted, prompting beach and harbor closures and safety warnings.
Why Warnings Were Quickly Lifted
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The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center confirmed that no major tsunami impact was expected for Hawaii, and wave activity remained within anticipated ranges.
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Japan—with nearly 2 million residents evacuated—also downgraded warnings to advisories within hours, facing only minor wave heights and one reported injury in coastal areas.
Official Guidance & What’s Next
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U.S. and Hawaiian officials emphasize: while severe tsunami risk has passed, hazardous near-shore conditions remain possible for hours due to wave surges and tidal cycles.
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Emergency assets such as high‑water vehicles and aircraft remained on standby in Hawaii, and California officials continue to monitor coastal conditions throughout the day.
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Aftershocks of up to magnitude 7.5 are still expected near Kamchatka, though no further tsunamis have been forecast beyond those already occurred.
Residents of Hawaii in previously evacuated areas are now allowed to return home, with a cautionary tsunami advisory still in effect. Along the U.S. West Coast, warnings have been lifted and replaced by advisories. No significant damage or casualties have been reported in the regions affected, but coastal residents and visitors are advised to stay alert and avoid waterlines for now.