On July 30, 2025, a powerful 8.7 magnitude earthquake struck the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia, triggering tsunami warnings in Japan, Hawaii, southern Alaska, the west coast of the United States, including parts of California. British Columbia in Canada is under a tsunami advisory.
The United States Tsunami Warning System reports that coastal areas in Russia and Ecuador may experience waves exceeding 10 feet (approximately 3 meters) in height, while Japan, Hawaii, Chile, and the Solomon Islands may face waves ranging from 3 to 10 feet (approximately 0.9m to 3m). Smaller waves are expected along the Pacific coast, including the west coast of the United States.
The U.S. Tsunami Warning System categorizes warnings into three levels: tsunami watch, advisory, and warning. Residents are urged to evacuate immediately when warnings are issued.
President Trump took to social media, stating, “Due to a strong earthquake in the Pacific, Hawaii has issued a tsunami warning. Alaska and the U.S. Pacific coast are under a Tsunami Watch. Japan is also affected. Visit tsunami.gov for the latest information. Stay strong, stay safe!”
California Governor Gavin Newsom later announced, “Tsunami warnings have been issued for coastal areas of northern California, from Cape Mendocino to the Oregon border. The California Office of Emergency Services is coordinating with local officials. Stay vigilant and follow instructions from emergency personnel.”
Parts of northern California’s coastal areas – Humboldt and Del Norte counties – have upgraded to tsunami warnings, with Crescent City in Del Norte County identified as a “historical tsunami hotspot”, facing the most severe risk.
Other coastal areas in California remain under tsunami advisory, expecting strong currents and dangerous waves. People are advised to stay away from beach areas.
If a tsunami hits California, it is expected to strike the northern coast at 11:50 pm and reach the Los Angeles area at 1 am. Los Angeles is predicted to experience waves of less than 1 foot (approximately 30cm).
The tsunami in Crescent City could last up to 30 hours, with wave heights of up to 4.8 feet (approximately 1.5m). In 2011, a tsunami triggered by a 9.1 magnitude earthquake off Japan’s east coast destroyed the port in Crescent City and resulted in one fatality.
Port San Luis in San Luis Obispo County is another area likely to be significantly impacted by the tsunami, with wave heights expected between 2 to 3.7 feet (approximately 0.6m to 1.1m).
The rest of California’s coastline is predicted to have wave heights not exceeding 1.3 feet (approximately 40cm).
(Adapted from reports by Fox News, Los Angeles Times, and CNN)