Tsunami Warning Updates: Evacuation Orders in Japan, Chile as Alert Lifted Across Pacific Rim

In the wake of one of the strongest earthquakes ever recorded, a powerful 8.8-magnitude earthquake in Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula triggered tsunami warnings across the Pacific Rim, putting millions on high alert from Japan to California, Hawaii to Chile.

Earthquake in Russia Triggers Tsunami Fears

The Russian earthquake, classified as the region’s strongest since 1952, struck early Wednesday near Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky at a depth of 19.3 km. The quake immediately triggered tsunami warnings and tsunami watches from New Zealand to the US West Coast.

The USGS confirmed the 8.8 quake among the top four globally in the 21st century.

 Tsunami Warning Updates Across the Pacific

• Hawaii tsunami warning sirens blared in Honolulu, with people urged to seek higher ground.
  
• Tsunami warning California: Waves between 2 to 5 feet reached San Francisco, prompting California tsunami warnings and strong current alerts in San Diego, Crescent City, and other coastal regions.
  
• Tsunami watch Hawaii was downgraded later in the day, though authorities urged residents to remain alert.
  
• Tsunami warning Oregon and Washington coastlines were under temporary alert as smaller waves were projected.
  
• Japan tsunami warning: 2 million people were evacuated in Hokkaido and northeastern Japan. Waves reached 1.3 meters, resulting in at least one confirmed death.
  
• Chile tsunami alert: Over 1.4 million people were moved inland in what officials called “one of the largest evacuations” in national history.
  

 Current Tsunami Situation: Alert Lifted, But Monitoring Continues

By Wednesday evening, tsunami warnings were lifted across the Pacific, including in Hawaii, Mexico, California, and Japan. The tsunami today caused temporary evacuations, port closures (including 65 in Peru), and flight cancellations in Maui.

Despite the downgrade, experts warn that aftershocks, unusual wave activity, and strong coastal currents could persist. Authorities recommend continued caution in Hanalei Bay, Kauai, and across Hawaii’s vulnerable coasts.

 Live Coverage and Real-Time Alerts

Stay updated through:

• Hawaii tsunami warning live stream
  
• Hanalei Bay webcams and Kauai beach cams
  
• Surfline Hawaii live updates
  
• Oregon coast tsunami warning today
  
• San Diego tsunami warning today
  

 Key Timeline of Events

• 5:28 AM IST (July 31): Tsunami alert lifted for most of the Pacific Rim.
  
• 6:47 AM IST: Japan reports one death; waves weaker than expected.
  
• 8:23 AM IST: French Polynesia’s armed forces remain on high alert due to 13 ft waves near Nuku Hiva.
  
• Previous day: Shanghai evacuated over 280,000 ahead of the approaching typhoon.