Massive 8.8 Earthquake Strikes Off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, Triggers U.S. Tsunami Alerts

The Big Picture

A powerful magnitude 8.8 earthquake struck off the eastern coast of Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula on Monday evening, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The tremor occurred at approximately 7:24 p.m. ET (July 29) and has triggered tsunami warnings along the entire U.S. West Coast and portions of the Alaska Aleutian Islands.

What We Know

The earthquake was centered about 119 kilometers (approximately 78 miles) east-southeast of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, a major city on Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula. It originated at a shallow depth of 20.7 km (about 11 miles), according to the USGS, which increases the potential for strong surface shaking and tsunami generation.

The USGS officially listed the quake with the following coordinates and data:

• Magnitude: 8.8
• Time: 2025-07-29 23:24:50 UTC
• Location: 52.530°N 160.165°E
• Depth: 20.7 km (11 miles)

Tsunami Warnings Issued

Shortly after the quake, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued alerts for areas along the U.S. West Coast, Hawaii, and Alaska. Officials are urging coastal residents to monitor emergency communications and be prepared to evacuate if necessary.

What’s Next

Authorities in Russia, the United States, and across the Pacific region are assessing the threat of aftershocks and monitoring sea-level gauges. Emergency response teams are on alert. As of now, there are no immediate reports of damage or casualties, but updates are expected to follow.

The Bottom Line

This is one of the strongest earthquakes to hit the region in recent years. U.S. and global tsunami monitoring agencies are urging caution. Residents in affected areas are advised to follow guidance from local emergency services and stay tuned for updates.

⚠️ This is a breaking news story. It will be updated as more information becomes available.