Russia Earthquake: Are these 12 countries at risk of a tsunami after the earthquake in Russia?

Russia Earthquake: The massive 8.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula on July 30, 2025 has shaken not only Russia but the entire Pacific region. This earthquake, which occurred at 4:54 am Indian time, is believed to be the sixth largest earthquake in the world. Its intensity was so high that tsunami waves started rising in the Pacific Ocean, after which tsunami alerts were issued in many countries. This situation is reminiscent of the 9.1 magnitude earthquake in Japan in 2011 and the subsequent devastating tsunami, which killed more than 15,000 people. Let us know about those countries and regions where the threat of tsunami looms and what its effect can be.

Tsunami waves start, panic in coastal areas

The epicenter of this earthquake in Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula was at a depth of about 19.3 kilometers under the sea, due to which tsunami waves were generated. Waves as high as 15 feet were seen in the Russian city of Kurilsk, while waves have started reaching the coastal areas of Japan and America as well. Tsunami waves are hitting the shores in Hawaii, and although their height is low right now, experts believe that this could be a sign of a big danger. The coastal areas of Hawaii have been evacuated, and people have been taken to safe places.

The situation is also serious in Japan. The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued a tsunami warning and advisory for Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoko, and Kyushu. The Fukushima Nuclear Plant, which was badly affected by the 2011 tsunami, has been evacuated as a precaution. About 20 lakh people have been shifted to safe places in Japan, and people have been appealed to stay away from beaches and river banks.

Which countries are facing the threat of tsunami?

After this earthquake, the threat of tsunami has increased in many countries bordering the Pacific Ocean. According to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, tsunami waves can reach Russia, Japan, the US, Canada, Ecuador, Peru, Mexico, New Zealand, China, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Indonesia. Apart from this, countries like Australia, Colombia, Tonga, Samoa, Guam, and the Marshall Islands are also expected to receive waves of 1 to 3 meters high.

Russia: Tsunami waves up to 4 meters high have been observed in the coastal areas of the Kamchatka Peninsula. This earthquake is the most powerful earthquake in this region since 1952.

Japan: Tsunami waves are hitting the east coast of Japan, especially Hokkaido and Honshu. The situation in Japan is also worrying because it is located on the 'Pacific Ring of Fire', which is a highly vulnerable area to earthquakes and tsunamis.

USA: Tsunami alert is issued in the states of the west coast including Hawaii, Alaska, and California. A population of 3.9 crore in California may be affected, while 15 lakh in Hawaii and 7.5 lakh in Alaska are at risk.

Canada, Ecuador, Peru, Mexico: People are being evacuated from coastal areas in these countries too. Warning has also been issued in Peru and Ecuador's Galapagos Islands.

China, Philippines, Taiwan, Indonesia: There is a possibility of light to moderate waves in these countries, but the administration has issued a precautionary alert.

New Zealand: The risk of tsunami is currently low in New Zealand, but it has been advised to be cautious.

Possible impact on America

In America, the risk of tsunami is highest in coastal states like Hawaii, Alaska, and California. The US Tsunami Warning Center has warned of dangerous waves in the next few hours. 3.9 crore people in California, 15 lakh in Hawaii, and 7.5 lakh in Alaska may be affected. Apart from this, states like Washington, Oregon, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and Louisiana are also at risk of tsunami. About 10 crore people living in coastal areas may be affected by this disaster. The US administration has appealed to people to go to high places and stay away from the beaches.

Situation is serious in Japan

Tsunami waves are hitting the east coast in Japan, and waves of 1 to 3 meters high are being seen in the Pacific Ocean. Japan's Meteorological Agency has warned that tsunamis can occur again and again, so people should not go to the sea or river banks until the warning is withdrawn. The Fukushima nuclear plant has been evacuated, as the 2011 tsunami caused massive destruction there. Alert is in place in coastal areas from Hokkaido to Kyushu, and about 20 lakh people have been moved to safe places.

Historical context and future fears

The Kamchatka Peninsula has been the center of major earthquakes in the past as well. In 1952, an earthquake of 9.0 magnitude occurred here, which caused heavy damage in Hawaii. This time the 8.8 magnitude earthquake is also posing the same level of threat. Experts believe that due to the shallow epicenter (19.3 km), the impact of this earthquake can be widespread. Shinichi Sakai, a seismologist at the University of Tokyo, said that shallow earthquakes can cause tsunamis even in remote areas.

Impact on India

Mild tremors were also felt in the Andaman-Nicobar Islands in India after this earthquake, and the government is on alert mode in view of the possibility of tsunami. The Indian Consulate General in San Francisco has issued an advisory for its citizens.