Staff Reporter 30 July 2025

A massive 8.8-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Russia, late on July 29, shaking the eastern region and triggering widespread tsunami alerts across the Pacific Ocean. The quake, which occurred at a shallow depth of about 19–21 kilometers, is one of the strongest globally since Japan’s 2011 Tōhoku disaster. In Russia, tsunami waves of 3–5 meters hit the eastern coastline, prompting red alerts and evacuations. Warnings extended to Japan, which evacuated nearly 1.9 million people, and Hawaii, where waves reached up to 10 feet. The U.S. West Coast, Alaska, New Zealand, Peru, Ecuador, and Guam were also affected, with beach closures and advisories issued. Several powerful aftershocks followed, including quakes of magnitude 6.9 and 6.3, with more tremors likely. While no fatalities have been officially reported, property damage, power outages, and communication disruptions have been confirmed in affected areas. Russian authorities have declared a state of emergency and deployed rescue teams and emergency services. Experts link the quake to activity in the Pacific Ring of Fire, warning of long-term seismic risks. Residents in coastal regions are urged to stay alert, follow official guidance, and prepare for potential aftershocks.