‘The Worst May Be Over’: Tsunami Threat Fades In Hawaii, Alaska After Russia Quake

Last Updated:July 30, 2025, 16:26 IST

Tsunami Alert In US: The tsunami warning for Hawaii after an 8.8 earthquake near Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Russia, is now an advisory.

Tsunami Alert In US: The downgrade to an advisory has allowed some evacuation orders to be lifted. (Image Credit: AP)

The tsunami warning issued for Hawaii following a powerful 8.8-magnitude earthquake off the eastern coast of Russia has been downgraded to an advisory, signaling that the most dangerous threat has likely passed. According to the US Weather Service, the “worst part of it" is over with only Northern California currently remaining under any direct tsunami threat.

The massive undersea quake struck near Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, a remote region in Russia’s Far East, and ranks among the ten most powerful earthquakes ever recorded globally. The earthquake triggered a wave of alerts across the Pacific- from Russia’s Kuril Islands to the Hawaiian archipelago and the western United States coastline.

Read more: ‘People Are Stuck’: Why Is Oprah Winfrey Facing Backlash Amid Hawaii Tsunami Evacuations?

Hawaii Breathes A Cautious Sigh Of Relief

Earlier projections warned of waves as high as 10 feet potentially hitting the Hawaiian Islands. While the state braced for impact with mass evacuations and emergency protocols, the actual wave heights turned out to be significantly lower. The tallest wave recorded in Hawaii was measured at 4 feet (1.2 meters) in Haleiwa, on Oahu’s north shore, with waves arriving at roughly 12-minute intervals, according to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC).

The downgrade to an advisory has allowed some evacuation orders to be lifted, though authorities are urging residents to remain cautious. The PTWC said, “Even if the highest waves have passed, strong currents and dangerous conditions can persist for hours."

Tsunami Watches Elsewhere In Pacific

While Hawaii now appears to be in the clear, parts of Alaska’s Aleutian Islands and northern California remain under tsunami warnings. The Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) continues to monitor wave activity, particularly in areas where the seafloor topography may amplify surges.

Read more: Japan Evacuates, US On Alert As Massive Russia Earthquake Sparks Tsunami Fears: Top Updates

Several US coastal regions, including Oregon, Washington and southern California, remain under tsunami advisories, owing to which residents are advised to stay away from beaches, harbors and low-lying coastal infrastructure.

Japan’s Massive Precautionary Evacuations

In Japan, memories of the devastating 2011 tsunami loomed large as authorities issued evacuation advisories affecting nearly two million people, primarily in northern and eastern coastal prefectures. Municipalities like Chiba’s Inage Beach were cordoned off and evacuation centers were opened as a precaution. So far, no significant damage or casualties have been reported in Japan.

Hawaii, USA

News world ‘The Worst May Be Over’: Tsunami Threat Fades In Hawaii, Alaska After Russia Quake

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