The Consulate General of India in San Francisco has issued a public advisory for Indian nationals residing along the US West Coast and in Hawaii following an 8.8-magnitude earthquake that struck near Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, triggering tsunami warnings across the Pacific. Indian citizens in affected regions have been advised to follow local alerts, avoid coastal areas, and prepare for emergencies. The Consulate has activated an emergency helpline: +1-415-483-6629.
The earthquake, which occurred early Wednesday, is one of the strongest recorded globally since the 2011 Japan disaster. It was centered approximately 119 kilometers east-southeast of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, a city of around 180,000 people in Russia’s Far East. The US Geological Survey reported the quake at a depth of 20.7 kilometers. Aftershocks reaching up to 6.9 magnitude followed.
Tsunami warnings issued across Pacific
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center confirmed a tsunami was generated and warned of potential damage across Hawaii’s coastlines. "Urgent action should be taken to protect lives and property," the Center stated, adding that initial waves were expected around 7 p.m. Tuesday local time.
In the US, tsunami advisories were issued for Oregon, California, Washington, and parts of Canada. The Oregon Department of Emergency Management warned of possible waves up to 2 feet and urged people to stay off beaches, harbors, and marinas. “This is not a major tsunami, but dangerous currents and strong waves may pose a risk to those near the water,” the department said.
Sirens were triggered in Honolulu, and residents moved to higher ground. In Japan, a tsunami of 40 centimeters was recorded in Tokachi, Hokkaido. Authorities there and in the Philippines, where waves of less than 1 meter were forecast, advised residents to steer clear of coastal waters. New Zealand also issued alerts for “strong and unusual currents” and advised people to avoid all shorelines.
Russia confirms no fatalities
Russian officials reported damage in the Kamchatka region and evacuation in several coastal areas, including Severo-Kurilsk in the Kuril Islands. Governor Valery Limarenko said, “Residents are safe and staying on high ground until the threat of a repeat wave is gone.”
Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky saw structural damage, temporary power outages, and mobile disruptions. The regional Health Ministry reported that some residents sought medical help but confirmed no serious injuries.
Nuclear facilities safe
Japan’s nuclear power operators confirmed there were no abnormalities. Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, responsible for the Fukushima plant, said around 4,000 workers had taken shelter on higher ground while continuing remote monitoring.
Historical context and seismic activity
This was the strongest quake in the Kamchatka region since a 9.0-magnitude quake in 1952, which caused 30-foot waves in Hawaii but no reported deaths. The Russian Geophysical Survey warned that aftershocks could persist for up to a month and cautioned against visiting some coastal zones. Earlier in July, five significant earthquakes were recorded in the same area, the largest at magnitude 7.4.
Indian nationals in affected zones are urged to remain alert and follow updates from local authorities and the Indian Consulate.
The earthquake, which occurred early Wednesday, is one of the strongest recorded globally since the 2011 Japan disaster. It was centered approximately 119 kilometers east-southeast of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, a city of around 180,000 people in Russia’s Far East. The US Geological Survey reported the quake at a depth of 20.7 kilometers. Aftershocks reaching up to 6.9 magnitude followed.
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— India in SF (@CGISFO) July 30, 2025
The Consulate General of India in San Francisco is monitoring the potential tsunami threat following the recent 8.7 magnitude earthquake off Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula. Indian nationals in California, other US West Coast states, and Hawaii are advised to take the…
Tsunami warnings issued across Pacific
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center confirmed a tsunami was generated and warned of potential damage across Hawaii’s coastlines. "Urgent action should be taken to protect lives and property," the Center stated, adding that initial waves were expected around 7 p.m. Tuesday local time.
In the US, tsunami advisories were issued for Oregon, California, Washington, and parts of Canada. The Oregon Department of Emergency Management warned of possible waves up to 2 feet and urged people to stay off beaches, harbors, and marinas. “This is not a major tsunami, but dangerous currents and strong waves may pose a risk to those near the water,” the department said.
Sirens were triggered in Honolulu, and residents moved to higher ground. In Japan, a tsunami of 40 centimeters was recorded in Tokachi, Hokkaido. Authorities there and in the Philippines, where waves of less than 1 meter were forecast, advised residents to steer clear of coastal waters. New Zealand also issued alerts for “strong and unusual currents” and advised people to avoid all shorelines.
Russia confirms no fatalities
Russian officials reported damage in the Kamchatka region and evacuation in several coastal areas, including Severo-Kurilsk in the Kuril Islands. Governor Valery Limarenko said, “Residents are safe and staying on high ground until the threat of a repeat wave is gone.”
Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky saw structural damage, temporary power outages, and mobile disruptions. The regional Health Ministry reported that some residents sought medical help but confirmed no serious injuries.
Nuclear facilities safe
Japan’s nuclear power operators confirmed there were no abnormalities. Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, responsible for the Fukushima plant, said around 4,000 workers had taken shelter on higher ground while continuing remote monitoring.
Historical context and seismic activity
This was the strongest quake in the Kamchatka region since a 9.0-magnitude quake in 1952, which caused 30-foot waves in Hawaii but no reported deaths. The Russian Geophysical Survey warned that aftershocks could persist for up to a month and cautioned against visiting some coastal zones. Earlier in July, five significant earthquakes were recorded in the same area, the largest at magnitude 7.4.
Indian nationals in affected zones are urged to remain alert and follow updates from local authorities and the Indian Consulate.
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