Massive 8.8 earthquake off Russia triggers US tsunami warnings for California, Hawaii, and Alaska; Trump urges America to “Stay strong and safe”

A powerful 8.8-magnitude earthquake struck beneath the Pacific Ocean off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula late Tuesday(July 29), triggering widespread tsunami warnings and evacuation orders across the US West Coast, Alaska, Hawaii, and northern Japan. The quake, which the US Geological Survey initially measured at 8.0 before upgrading it to 8.7 and finally to 8.8, occurred at 6:24 pm local time.

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The seismic activity, one of the strongest in recent history in the region, has sparked a coordinated emergency response across the Pacific.


US President Donald Trump also addressed the situation via X, as he posted: “Due to a massive earthquake that occurred in the Pacific Ocean, a Tsunami Warning is in effect for those living in Hawaii. A Tsunami Watch is in effect for Alaska and the Pacific Coast of the United States. Japan is also in the way. Please visit tsunami.gov for the latest information. STAY STRONG AND STAY SAFE!”

Alert issues in the US

In the US, tsunami warnings and watches were swiftly issued for California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, and Hawaii. Authorities warned that wave heights could exceed 3 meters (10 feet) in some locations, and emphasized that the first wave may not be the largest.

Communities from Los Angeles to Seattle, and as far north as Astoria and as far south as San Diego, were told to prepare for possible coastal flooding and destructive currents between 11:20 pm and 1:05 am Pacific Time. In Los Angeles Harbor, waves are expected at approximately 11:20 pm, while Newport Beach and Oceanside face similar timelines.

Alaska’s remote coastal areas, including Attu, Shemya, and Adak, were placed under immediate evacuation orders, with tsunami arrival times ranging from 4:46 pm to 5:46 pm local time.

“Dangerous tsunami waves are imminent or already occurring,” the National Tsunami Warning Center said in a statement. “Evacuate coastal areas NOW. Do not wait for visual confirmation.”

In Hawaii, the situation escalated when an initial tsunami watch was upgraded to a full warning at 1:33 pm local time. Sirens sounded statewide, with wave impacts predicted as early as 7:17 pm, particularly for the northern islands, including Kauai and Oahu. Emergency officials advised residents to seek shelter on higher ground or above the fourth floor in multi-story buildings if evacuation was not possible.

Shockwaves felt in Japan

Japan also reported early wave activity, with the Meteorological Agency confirming a 30-centimeter wave had reached Hokkaido. Additional and stronger waves are expected in Japan’s northern and eastern regions, prompting tsunami alerts and evacuation advisories in several prefectures.

This seismic zone is part of the Pacific "Ring of Fire," known for frequent and powerful earthquakes. The Kamchatka region has a tragic history of tsunamis, including the catastrophic 1952 event that killed over 2,300 people and sent waves across the Pacific.

A similar 1923 earthquake triggered waves that reached Hawaii and the western US, causing significant damage and loss of life.

As of now, emergency agencies across the Pacific Basin are urging residents to remain alert, follow evacuation orders without delay, and stay tuned to official updates.

Experts emphasize that even areas not directly impacted by the initial waves may face strong and unpredictable ocean surges for hours after the quake. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), NOAA, and local authorities continue to monitor the situation minute by minute.

Coastal residents are urged to move inland immediately, avoid beaches, marinas, and piers, and remain in safe zones until the official all-clear is given.