Mass panic in Hawaii as tsunami sirens blare; Trump breaks silence on massive quake

A powerful 8.8 quake near Russia sparks urgent tsunami evacuations across Hawaii and U.S. West Coast coastal areas.

A massive 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Kamchatka, Russia on July 29, 2025, prompting tsunami warnings and urgent evacuations across the Pacific, including Hawaii and the U.S. West Coast.

The U.S. Geological Survey confirmed the quake occurred around 7:24 PM EST, roughly 84 miles east-southeast of Kamchatka. It marks the strongest earthquake recorded globally in 14 years, since Japan’s devastating 9.1 magnitude quake in 2011.

Hawaii’s Emergency Management Department issued immediate evacuation orders for coastal zones. Sirens blared across the island chain as residents fled to higher ground. Traffic gridlocks were reported on Honolulu highways as citizens rushed to safety.

Tsunami advisories extended from Hawaii to California, Oregon, Washington, and Alaska. Waves up to 10 feet above tide level are possible, according to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center. In Japan, workers at Fukushima's nuclear plant were also evacuated as precautionary waves reached Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky.

Several injuries were reported in Russia, including one woman hurt in a newly built airport terminal and others injured while fleeing buildings. A kindergarten collapsed in Petropavlovsk during the quake.

President Donald Trump addressed the nation via Truth Social, urging Americans to "STAY STRONG AND STAY SAFE."

Due to a massive earthquake that occurred in the Pacific Ocean, a Tsunami Warning is in effect for those living in Hawaii. A Tsunami Watch is in effect for Alaska and the Pacific Coast of the United States. Japan is also in the way. Please visit https://t.co/wdFzeu1I0h for the…

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 30, 2025

Experts warned that aftershocks could continue, though no stronger quakes are expected. Meteorologists advised residents near coasts to move inland or seek vertical evacuation if necessary.

This earthquake is the largest of 2025 and the first over 8.0 magnitude since 2021. Kamchatka lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region well-known for frequent seismic activity.