A powerful magnitude 8.7 earthquake struck off the eastern coast of Kamchatka, Russia, on Wednesday morning (July 30, 2025), triggering widespread tsunami alerts across the Pacific Ocean, including Indonesia, Japan, Hawaii, China, and Mexico.
The Indonesian Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) reported that the earthquake occurred at 06:24:50 Western Indonesia Time (WIB), with the epicenter located at 52.51°N and 160.26°E at a depth of 18 kilometers.
The quake originated from subduction activity along the Kurile-Kamchatka Trench and was classified as a shallow thrust fault, a type of seismic event often capable of generating tsunamis.
Pacific-Wide Tsunami Advisories and Russia Impact
Following the earthquake, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) issued advisories for several Pacific regions, including Russia, Japan, Alaska, the Philippines, Hawaii, China, and Mexico.
Japan’s Meteorological Agency (JMA) placed coastal areas of Hokkaido and northern Honshu under a tsunami advisory, warning of potential waves below one meter. Local authorities prepared evacuation routes in low-lying areas as a precaution.
In Hawaii, the state’s Emergency Management Agency declared a tsunami watch, urging residents to stay updated as waves traveled across the Pacific. Although no immediate evacuations were ordered, officials warned of possible strong currents and hazardous coastal conditions.
China’s northeastern coastline and Mexico’s Pacific coast also placed their shorelines under observation, issuing precautionary advisories for fishing boats and coastal residents.
In Russia’s Far East, the quake’s impact was more immediate. The Russian Emergency Ministry confirmed that a tsunami struck parts of the Kamchatka coastline, flooding a port town of about 2,000 residents.
According to Russia’s state news agency TASS, “Several people were injured in the earthquake in Russia’s Far East,” though the exact number of injuries has not been disclosed. No fatalities have been reported so far.
Tsunami Watch for Eastern Indonesia
BMKG placed ten regions in eastern Indonesia under Waspada (advisory) status, meaning tsunami waves are estimated to remain below 0.5 meters but still require caution. The expected arrival times for potential waves (local time) are:
- Talaud: 14:52:24 WITA
- Kota Gorontalo: 16:39:54 WITA
- North Halmahera: 16:04:24 WIT
- Manokwari: 16:08:54 WIT
- Raja Ampat: 16:18:54 WIT
- Biak Numfor: 16:21:54 WIT
- Supiori: 16:21:54 WIT
- Northern Sorong: 16:24:54 WIT
- Jayapura: 16:30:24 WIT
- Sarmi: 16:30:24 WIT
BMKG urged residents in these coastal areas to stay away from beaches and postpone fishing or boating activities until advisories are lifted. No casualties or structural damage have been reported in Indonesia.
BMKG Urges Vigilance
BMKG forecaster Agus Susilo from the Rendani Manokwari Climatology Station emphasized that even smaller waves can pose risks to those near the shore.
“This earthquake has the potential to trigger tsunami waves in several regions of Indonesia, including Manokwari Regency. We recommend halting fishing and small-boat activities until the situation clears,” Agus told Antara.
Daryono, head of BMKG’s Tsunami Mitigation Center, confirmed during a briefing with the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) that tsunami modeling indicated a low-level advisory.
“BMKG conducted modeling based on this earthquake and confirmed potential tsunami risks. However, the threat remains at advisory level, meaning estimated waves are likely less than half a meter,” Daryono said, as reported by Detik.
BMKG reminded the public to follow updates exclusively from verified sources, including the Info BMKG app, inatews.bmkg.go.id, and official BMKG social media channels, to avoid misinformation during ongoing monitoring.
Source: BMKG, Detik, Antara, SIndoNews
Special Photo Source: AFP/PATRICK T. FALLON
