A devastating magnitude 8.8 earthquake struck off the coast of Kamchatka early on July 30, 2025, initially estimated at magnitude 8.0 but later upgraded twice by the USGS. The quake’s epicenter lay approximately 119–136 km east-southeast of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, at a shallow depth of around 20 km. It occurred along the Kuril–Kamchatka arc, a major fault line within the Pacific Ring of Fire.

This was the region’s strongest earthquake since 1952, when a ~9.0 magnitude quake triggered deadly 9-meter tsunamis, killing over 2,300 people. Globally, the 2025 event ranks among the ten most powerful earthquakes ever recorded, on par with the 2011 Tōhoku disaster in Japan.

Local impacts in Kamchatka and the Kuril Islands were significant. Severo-Kurilsk on Paramushir Island experienced heavy tsunami flooding, prompting the evacuation of around 2,000 residents. Tsunami waves reaching 4 meters severely affected ports and coastal infrastructure. In Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, the quake caused structural damage, power outages, and minor injuries. A kindergarten wall collapsed, but no casualties were reported.

Tsunami alerts were issued across the Pacific. In Japan, up to 1.9 million people were evacuated from coastal prefectures. Tsunami waves of 30–50 cm reached areas in Hokkaido, while forecasts warned of possible 1–3 meter waves. The Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant was evacuated as a precaution, though no damage occurred.

The United States responded swiftly. Hawaii issued statewide tsunami warnings; waves of about 4 feet struck Oʻahu and Maui, prompting flight cancellations and port closures. Alaska recorded small waves and issued warnings for the Aleutians and advisories along the West Coast. In California, waves of up to 1.7 meters were expected, with residents urged to avoid beaches.

Multiple Pacific nations were also on alert. Chile declared a state of precaution and suspended classes, while advisories were issued in Ecuador, Peru, Mexico, Taiwan, Indonesia, and New Zealand. India confirmed its nuclear sites were unaffected and activated a helpline for nationals abroad. Aftershocks up to magnitude 6.9 followed the main quake, with experts warning of further tremors possibly reaching magnitude 7.5 in the coming weeks.