SB. Oregon, Washington under tsunami advisory after 8.8 quake strikes off coast of Russia

On Tuesday, July 30, 2025, the United States National Weather Service and the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) issued a tsunami advisory for the coastal regions of Oregon, Washington, and parts of California following a powerful 8.8 magnitude earthquake off the coast of Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula. This advisory, based on data from verified seismological sources including the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), reflects a heightened level of caution for Pacific coastal communities.

The earthquake occurred near Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, a major city on Russia’s eastern peninsula, and triggered widespread alerts across the Pacific region. Although no destructive tsunami was immediately confirmed along the U.S. West Coast, officials stressed that hazardous wave activity remains possible and issued advisories to ensure public safety.

Key Facts: Earthquake and Tsunami Overview

• Earthquake Magnitude: 8.8 (initially reported as 8.0 by Japan Meteorological Agency, later upgraded by USGS)

• Location: Approximately 250 kilometers (155 miles) from Hokkaido, Japan, and near Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Russia

• Depth: Estimated at 19.3 kilometers (12 miles) below the seabed

• Time: Occurred at 8:25 a.m. Japan time (4:25 p.m. PT on Monday)

According to the USGS, the seismic event was followed by two significant aftershocks—measuring 6.9 and 6.3 in magnitude—also located in the northwest Pacific seismic zone, a geologically active region prone to strong quakes due to tectonic plate interactions.

Tsunami Advisory Details for the U.S. West Coast

As of the latest updates from NOAA and the National Weather Service (NWS), tsunami advisories were in effect for the following areas:

• Oregon Coast

• Washington Coast

• Northern California Coast

A tsunami advisory means that strong currents and dangerous wave activity are possible in coastal zones, particularly around beaches, harbors, bays, and inlets. While no significant flooding is expected, authorities advised all residents and visitors to stay out of the water and away from low-lying coastal areas until the advisory is lifted.

For Oregon and Washington, the expected wave arrival was projected between 11:40 p.m. and 11:55 p.m. PT on Tuesday, according to NWS Portland. In Long Beach, Washington, the initial wave height was estimated to be less than one foot. Information about other Oregon coastal areas, such as Seaside and Newport, was still pending at the time of reporting.

Evacuations and Regional Impact in the Pacific

Russia:
The coastal town of Severo-Kurilsk, located in Russia’s Kuril Islands, experienced the first recorded tsunami wave following the earthquake. According to Russian officials, the residents were safely evacuated to higher ground. In Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, near the quake’s epicenter, local authorities reported widespread power outages, mobile service disruptions, and minor structural disturbances such as swaying balconies and broken household items. Emergency response efforts remain active in the Kamchatka region.

Japan:
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued a tsunami alert for portions of Japan’s Pacific coastline. The first wave, approximately 30 centimeters (about 1 foot) high, was observed in Nemuro, on Hokkaido’s eastern shore. Japan’s disaster prevention infrastructure responded promptly with sirens and public alerts, urging residents in affected zones to seek higher ground.

Hawaii and Other Pacific Islands:
In Honolulu, tsunami sirens were triggered as a precaution. The PTWC warned that tsunami waves ranging from 1 to 3 meters (3 to 10 feet) above tide level were possible along parts of Hawaii, Japan, Chile, and the Solomon Islands. Coastal areas of Russia and Ecuador were advised that waves exceeding 3 meters could occur. Hawaii’s emergency officials instructed residents in low-lying areas to evacuate to higher ground as waves were expected to arrive around 7:00 p.m. local time.

Historical Context and Earthquake Activity in the Region

The Kamchatka Peninsula is located within the Pacific Ring of Fire, a zone known for its high frequency of earthquakes and volcanic activity. It is not uncommon for this region to experience large seismic events.

Earlier in July 2025, a series of five earthquakes struck off the coast of Kamchatka, with the largest reaching a magnitude of 7.4. That event occurred approximately 144 kilometers (89 miles) east of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky and was also located at a depth of about 20 kilometers, as recorded by the USGS.

Historically, the most significant seismic event in this area occurred on November 4, 1952, when a magnitude 9.0 earthquake generated massive tsunami waves reaching up to 9.1 meters (30 feet) in Hawaii. Despite the power of the event, there were no reported fatalities in Hawaii, thanks to early warning systems and timely evacuations.

Safety Recommendations and Preparedness

For residents along the U.S. West Coast, the National Tsunami Warning Center has issued the following guidance under the current advisory:

• Avoid all beach and waterfront activity: Stay off beaches, breakwaters, and coastal trails.

• Do not go sightseeing: Strong currents and sudden waves can be dangerous even in areas where flooding is not expected.

• Monitor official updates: Follow real-time alerts from NOAA, the PTWC, and your local emergency management agency.

• Know your evacuation zones: The Oregon Office of Emergency Management provides tsunami evacuation maps that help coastal residents identify safe routes and high-ground locations.

Real-Time Monitoring and Updates

As this is a developing situation, updates are being provided in real-time by the following agencies:

• U.S. Geological Survey (USGS): https://www.usgs.gov

• NOAA National Tsunami Warning Center: https://www.tsunami.gov

• Japan Meteorological Agency: https://www.jma.go.jp

• Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC): https://www.weather.gov/ptwc

All public agencies recommend remaining alert until the tsunami advisory is officially lifted and confirm that conditions have returned to normal.

Conclusion

The 8.8 magnitude earthquake off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula is a reminder of the powerful natural forces that affect the Pacific Basin. With verified warnings issued by NOAA, the USGS, and other international agencies, coastal communities across the Pacific—including those in Oregon, Washington, California, Japan, Russia, and Hawaii—have taken appropriate precautions to safeguard lives and infrastructure.

As of this update, no major damage or injuries have been reported in the United States. However, the situation remains fluid, and authorities continue to monitor conditions closely. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and follow official safety recommendations as this event unfolds.

Sources

• U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)

• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

• National Weather Service (NWS Portland)

• Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)

• Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC)

• Russian Emergency Situations Ministry via TASS News Agency