Massive and 'Very Unique' 8.8-Magnitude Earthquake Hits Pacific

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Tsunami waves recorded in Kamchatka; alerts issued for US Pacific coast and Guatemala sees quake-linked evacuations amid global seismic activity

By TRH Global Affairs Desk

NEW DELHI, July 30, 2025 — A devastating 8.8-magnitude earthquake struck the Pacific Ocean off the eastern coast of Russia on Wednesday, prompting widespread tsunami warnings across Russia, Japan, Hawaii, and Alaska, with alerts extending as far as the U.S. Pacific Coast.

The quake, initially estimated at 8.0, was later upgraded by the US Geological Survey (USGS), making it the strongest seismic event since Japan’s 2011 earthquake and tsunami.

The earthquake’s epicenter was located 74 miles (119 km) southeast of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, at a depth of 20.7 kilometers. Tremors triggered massive tsunami waves, with authorities confirming that 3–4 meter high waves had struck Yelizovo District in Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula. Local officials, including Governor Vladimir Solodov, urged immediate evacuation from coastal areas. Minimal damage has been reported so far.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center and National Weather Service have issued urgent alerts:

Hawaii: A tsunami warning is in effect, with the first waves expected around 7:17 p.m. local time. The National Weather Service warned: “A tsunami has been generated that could cause damage along coastlines of all islands in the state of Hawaii. Urgent action should be taken to protect lives and property.”
Alaska and the U.S. Pacific Coast: A Tsunami Watch is currently active. Former U.S. President Donald Trump also posted a public message, urging residents to stay alert and follow updates via tsunami.gov.
Japan: The Japan Meteorological Agency warned that waves as high as 3 meters are expected between 10 and 11 a.m. local time. Residents along the Pacific coast have been strongly advised to stay away from beaches and low-lying areas.
Russia’s Kuril Islands: The first waves have already hit Severo-Kurilsk, confirmed by the governor of the Sakhalin Region. Footage of the event shows massive water surges crashing onto the shores, with residents reportedly evacuated to higher ground.

Scientists Call It ‘Very Unique’

Russia’s Academy of Sciences described the earthquake as “very unique” in both strength and structure, indicating deep tectonic movement with high aftershock potential.

Global Seismic Chain Reaction? Guatemala Shaken Too

In a separate seismic event, Guatemala experienced back-to-back earthquakes late Wednesday. The USGS reported a 5.6-magnitude quake near Jerez, followed shortly by another 5.3-magnitude tremor. The national disaster agency CONRED revised the initial reading to 5.8, triggering preventive evacuations in multiple buildings.

The tremors were also felt in El Salvador, although no major damage or injuries have been reported. Damage assessments are ongoing in Escuintla and Sacatepéquez departments.

Authorities worldwide are on high alert, with military and disaster response units mobilized across multiple countries. Experts are warning of potential aftershocks and continued seismic instability in the Pacific “Ring of Fire” region.

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