8.8‑Magnitude earthquake off Kamchatka triggers tsunami alerts

An 8.8‑magnitude earthquake struck off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula on July 29, prompting tsunami warnings and evacuations across the Pacific region. According to Reuters, Russian authorities declared a state of emergency as tsunami waves reaching up to five metres hit coastal areas, particularly in Severo‑Kurilsk, causing flooding and infrastructure damage. Kamchatka’s governor described it as the strongest tremor since 1952.

The Guardian further reports that a tsunami warning was issued for Hawaii, where waves up to 1.7 m struck and led to temporary airport closures and evacuations. Hawaii Governor Josh Green urged residents to follow evacuation orders, activated Black Hawk helicopters, and deployed high‑water vehicles as a precaution.

Tsunami alerts were also issued for Japan, California, Oregon, Washington, and parts of South America, including Chile and French Polynesia. Japan’s Fukushima region recorded waves of around 1.3 m, and over two million people were evacuated. One woman died during the evacuation in central Japan.

Russian scientists reported that the earthquake’s ground shaking was less intense than expected, Al Jazeera reported. No fatalities have been reported, and most tsunami warnings have since been downgraded to advisories or lifted in affected regions.