On Wednesday, 30 July 2025, a powerful magnitude 8.8 earthquake struck off Russia’s far eastern Kamchatka Peninsula at approximately 11:25 local time, triggering widespread tsunami warnings and advisories across the Pacific. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued a tsunami warning for Japan’s Pacific coast, with alerts extending to Taiwan, Hawaii (US), California (US), Alaska (US), The Philippines, Indonesia, New Zealand, Peru, Galapagos Islands (Ecuador), and parts of eastern China.
Immediate implications for businesses, supply chains, operations and safety are significant and geographically diverse. In Russia, the port town of Severo-Kurilsk experienced at least three tsunami waves, resulting in flooded areas, damaged port infrastructure, and dislodged moored ships. Minor injuries were reported in Russia’s far east, and ceiling panels were damaged at Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky International Airport, though it remained operational.
In Japan, initial waves of up to 40cm were observed in Hokkaido, with warnings for potential 3-metre waves along the Pacific coast, from Hokkaido to Wakayama. Workers at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant were evacuated as a precautionary measure. Japanese officials have cautioned that significant tsunami activity could persist for over one day, necessitating prolonged vigilance. Philippines and Indonesian authorities have also issued advisories, urging residents to avoid shorelines. Preventative evacuations have occurred in the Galapagos Islands.
Across the Pacific, Hawaii is under a full tsunami warning, prompting evacuations to higher ground and causing traffic congestion. Hawaii Governor Josh Gren has asked people to heed evacuation orders and stay calm. President Trump has advised Americans to be on alert for tsunami warnings. The US West Coast (California, Oregon, and Washington) is under a lower-grade tsunami advisory, warning of strong currents and dangerous waves.
MitKat will continue to monitor the evolving situation and its impact on people and infrastructure in coastal areas, maritime operations, global supply chains and secondary hazards.
𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐫: This article has references to expert opinions and open sources including the BBC, and Reuters.