Powerful Earthquake Strikes Kamchatka, Warnings Issued Across Pacific
A massive magnitude 8.8 earthquake struck off Russia’s Far Eastern Kamchatka Peninsula on July 30, 2025, sending shockwaves across the Pacific Ocean. Centered approximately 119 km east‑southeast of Petropavlovsk‑Kamchatsky, the quake was the strongest recorded in the region since 1952 The Guardian+12Reuters+12Reuters+12. The U.S. Geological Survey confirmed the quake had a shallow depth of around 19 km, raising tsunami potential across the Pacific basin Reuters.
Tsunami Waves Strike Hawaii, Cause Turbulence
As tsunami warnings echoed across the Pacific, Hawaii was among the first to be impacted. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center projected wave arrivals around 7:17 p.m. HST, and the first waves began arriving shortly thereafter The Times of India+3CBS News+3New York Post+3.
Hanalei gauge on Kauai recorded waves approximately 3 ft above normal sea level.
Haleiwa gauge on Oahu’s North Shore recorded up to 4 ft amplitude.
Maui’s Kahului gauge registered waves nearing 4 ft above normal CBS News+2The Guardian+2News.com.au+2.
Although the waves were relatively modest in size, they coincided with high tide, raising risks of shoreline flooding. Residents reported minor water inundation in coastal areas, but no major structural damage has yet been confirmed YouTube+9CBS News+9Reuters+9.