Tsunami Waves Hit Russia’s Kuril Islands and Japan’s Hokkaido After Massive 8.8 Quake

By Inday Marisol | July 30, 2025

MANILA — Tsunami waves have begun crashing onto the shores of Russia’s Kuril Islands and Japan’s northern Hokkaido region after a powerful 8.8-magnitude earthquake struck off Russia’s eastern coast early Wednesday morning.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the undersea quake occurred at a depth of approximately 25 kilometers, triggering immediate tsunami warnings across the northwestern Pacific region.

Tsunami Warnings and Evacuations Underway

Both Russia and Japan issued urgent evacuation orders for coastal residents. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) reported waves as high as 1.5 meters hitting Hokkaido’s eastern shorelines. Russian authorities also confirmed tsunami waves reaching parts of the Kuril archipelago, with coastal inundation recorded in Severo-Kurilsk.

“People in low-lying areas have been instructed to move inland or to higher ground,” the JMA said in a public alert.

Train services in northern Japan have been temporarily halted, and coastal highways have been closed in several prefectures.

Impact Across the Region

No immediate casualties have been confirmed, but local authorities are assessing the extent of damage in both affected areas. Japan’s Self-Defense Forces have been placed on standby, and emergency teams in Sakhalin and Kamchatka are monitoring coastal communities in Russia.

In Tokyo and Sapporo, tsunami alerts have caused flight delays and suspension of ferry services, though these cities are not directly threatened by the waves.

Regional Monitoring and Global Concern

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) continues to monitor wave activity and has advised neighboring countries such as the Philippines, South Korea, and the U.S. West Coast to remain on alert for minor fluctuations in sea levels.

“Based on all available data, a destructive Pacific-wide tsunami is not expected, but localized impacts are still possible,” the PTWC said in an early bulletin.

Earthquake Details

• Magnitude: 8.8
• Epicenter: Off the eastern coast of Russia, near the Kuril Trench
• Depth: 25 kilometers
• Time of occurrence: 4:13 AM (local time)

Seismic aftershocks are already being recorded, including a 6.1-magnitude tremor that hit within 30 minutes of the main quake.

Disclaimer

This report is based on real-time data from seismic and meteorological agencies. Details may change as new information becomes available. Please refer to official government sources and emergency alerts in your area.

Sources:

• U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
• Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)
• Russian Emergency Ministry
• Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC)
• NHK World Japan
• Interfax News Agency