In the early hours of July 20, 2025, a strong undersea earthquake struck Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula, prompting the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) to issue a tsunami watch for Hawaii. The quake, with a preliminary magnitude of 7.8, shook the eastern Russian region and has since become a major concern for Pacific coastal areas, especially Hawaii and the U.S. West Coast.
As of now, no major damage or casualties have been reported in Russia, but the potential tsunami threat to Hawaii has locals and tourists on high alert.
What Happened in Russia?
The earthquake struck at approximately 6:45 AM (local time) near Kamchatka, a volcanic peninsula known for its tectonic activity. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the quake’s depth was about 35 kilometers, making it strong enough to potentially displace large volumes of ocean water.
This displacement triggered tsunami modeling protocols across the Pacific. Russian officials immediately began monitoring the coast for any unusual wave activity, while neighboring countries, including Japan and the U.S., activated their tsunami watch systems.
Is There a Tsunami Warning in Hawaii?
As of now, Hawaii is under a tsunami watch, not a full warning. That means a tsunami may be possible, but it’s not certain. The PTWC, based in Ewa Beach, Oahu, is actively monitoring wave propagation data to determine the exact risk to Hawaiian shores.
In their official statement, PTWC mentioned:
“Based on all available data, a tsunami may have been generated by this earthquake that could be hazardous to coasts in the Pacific Basin. We are evaluating the situation and will update as needed.”
Officials emphasized that this is not yet a tsunami warning, but residents should stay informed, especially along low-lying coastal areas of Oahu, Maui, the Big Island, and Kauai.
What’s the Difference Between a Tsunami Watch and a Tsunami Warning?
Understanding the terminology helps prevent panic and promotes safe action:
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Tsunami Watch: A tsunami is possible, but not confirmed. People should prepare, stay informed, and be ready to move inland if needed.
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Tsunami Warning: A tsunami is expected or already occurring. Immediate evacuation and emergency protocols must be followed.
Currently, Hawaii remains in watch status, and no evacuations have been ordered. However, emergency crews are on standby.
Hawaii Emergency Response and Precautions
The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA) held a press conference this morning reassuring residents that:
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Emergency sirens will only be activated if the watch is upgraded to a warning.
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Shelters across the islands are ready to open if needed.
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Schools and government offices have been briefed but remain open.
Locals are encouraged to:
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Monitor local news, especially Hawaii News Now, for real-time updates.
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Avoid oceanfronts and refrain from entering the water until an “all clear” is issued.
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Have a “go bag” ready with water, snacks, first-aid, and important documents.
What About Tourists in Hawaii?
July is a peak season for tourism in Hawaii, and with thousands of visitors on Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island, hotel management teams are also alert.
Several resorts in Waikiki and Kona have shared that they’re following state guidelines and will assist guests with evacuation if needed.
Some tourists have already shared concerns online:
“It’s my first time in Hawaii and waking up to a tsunami watch is surreal. But the hotel staff is calm, and we’re just staying updated,” – a visitor from California shared on Twitter.
Tsunami Arrival Time (If Any)
While it’s too early to know if a tsunami will reach Hawaii, initial PTWC models estimate that if waves were generated, they could potentially arrive 6-8 hours after the quake—sometime in the late evening local time.
Wave heights, if they do reach the islands, are predicted to be less than 1 meter (3 feet) in most areas—still enough to cause strong currents, coastal flooding, and damage to harbors.
A Look Back: Hawaii’s Tsunami History
Hawaii is no stranger to tsunamis. Some of the most significant events include:
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1946: A massive tsunami from Alaska killed 159 people in Hilo, leading to the creation of the PTWC.
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2011: Following the 9.0 Japan earthquake, tsunami waves caused harbor damage in Kailua-Kona and other spots across the islands.
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2022: A magnitude 8.2 quake in the Aleutians led to widespread tsunami alerts, but no major waves.
These historical events highlight the importance of preparation and awareness in a region vulnerable to Pacific-wide seismic activity.
Social Media & Real-Time Alerts
Authorities recommend following these trusted sources:
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@NWS_PTWC for tsunami center updates
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@Hawaii_EMA for Hawaii emergency info
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Hawaii News Now for live local coverage
Additionally, residents and tourists can download the HNL Info app or sign up for text alerts through the county websites.
Final Thoughts: Stay Alert, Not Alarmed
While there’s no immediate danger, and the tsunami watch for Hawaii may be lifted later today if no significant waves are detected, it’s essential to stay informed.
Natural disasters like tsunamis are unpredictable, but with real-time updates, scientific modeling, and emergency preparedness, Hawaii remains one of the best-equipped locations in the Pacific to respond quickly and efficiently.
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