Powerful Earthquake in Russia Triggers Pacific-Wide Tsunami Alerts
On July 30, 2025, a magnitude 8.8 earthquake struck off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula at a shallow depth, generating tsunami warnings across the Pacific. Coastal areas from Japan to California, including Hawaii, braced for waves up to 5 meters (≈13 ft) high. Officials confirmed the quake was the strongest in Kamchatka since 1952.0
All Hawaii Harbours Shut and Vessels Ordered Offshore
The U.S. Coast Guard’s Captain of Port Honolulu ordered immediate evacuation of commercial vessels from all Hawaiian harbours. Incoming traffic was halted, and ships in the vicinity were instructed to stay offshore until conditions improved—ports reopened individually once deemed safe.1
Waves Arrive: Hanalei and Oahu Coastline Affected
Tsunami waves began to strike Hawaii by early evening. Hanalei registered a 3‑foot surge above normal sea level. In Oahu, areas like Haleiwa and Kahului experienced up to 4 feet of flooding. Waves were observed arriving roughly every 12 minutes, with peak amplitudes measured at 4.9 feet at Hilo gauge.2
Cancelling Flights and Closing Ports: Maui Affected
Hawaii’s Governor Josh Green announced the suspension of all flights to and from Maui during the tsunami emergency. Ports remained closed throughout the state until safety inspections allowed reopening.3
Cruise Ship Panic: Hundreds Stranded ashore
The Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America, docked at Hilo, departed port several hours early under emergency protocol, leaving over 300 passengers and crew stranded onshore. Many had been on shore excursions or caught in traffic and were directed to tsunami shelters, including Waiakea High School.4
Personal Stories: Chaos, Confusion and Evacuations
Tourists, including a British family and cruise guests, reported panicked scenes as sirens blared and official alerts interrupted tours. Videos showed people sprinting back to their ships; some missed evacuation windows and ended up scrambling for safety or shelter.5
Timeline of Key Events
- July 30, 2025, early A.M. – M8.8 quake strikes off Kamchatka, tsunami alerts issued.
- ≈ 7:17 p.m. Hawaii time – Coast Guard orders harbours closed, ships evacuated offshore.
- Evening – Hanalei sees ~3 ft surge; Oahu experiences up to ~4 ft flooding.
- Afternoon–evening – Cruise ships depart early; passengers stranded ashore.
- By midnight – Warnings downgraded to advisories, evacuation orders lifted.
Why Trivia Buffs Will Love This Story
This event links seismic record-breaking (8.8 magnitude), precise wave heights (3–5 m / 4–13 ft), government actions (harbour closures, flight cancellations), and human drama (cruise ship evacuations). Timelines, official names like Governor Josh Green, and lessons about tsunami protocols make it ideal for quiz content.
Source: Hindustan Times