What we know so far: Huge earthquake in Russia's far east triggers Pacific waves

Egypt Independent

30-07-2025

Tsunami warnings were issued from Japan to Chile, with huge waves predicted to hit parts of French Polynesia. If you're just joining us, here's the latest:
In Russia's district of Severo-Kurilsk, near the epicenter of the earthquake, a state of emergency was issued after tsunami waves lashed the coast, tearing boats from their moorings and carrying away storage containers, according to state media TASS and videos from the scene.
In Japan, more than 2 million people were told to evacuate as waves hit much of the northern and eastern coasts. By Wednesday afternoon, Tsunami warnings in parts of Japan had been switched to advisories, but still remained in Hokkaido and Tohoku regions.
The Philippines and Indonesia both issued tsunami warnings, with the Philippines later Wednesday cancelling their advisory.
Authorities in French Polynesia have placed the Marquesas Islands archipelago under a tsunami alert, saying that waves of up to 4 meters (13 feet) could reach the islands of Ua Huka, Nuku Hiva, and Hiva Oa overnight from Tuesday to Wednesday.
A tsunami advisory that was in place for Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands was canceled Wednesday, according to the US National Weather Service Guam, who also said locations across Micronesia are also in the clear.
In Chile, the National Tsunami Alarm System said there's a tsunami threat for all the country's coastline. Peru's navy has said it is monitoring the situation closely.
Ecuador's Oceanographic and Antarctic Institute said the Galapagos Islands – a major center of biodiversity and wildlife found nowhere else – could see a wave measuring 1.4 meters (4.6 feet) by 9 a.m. local time.
The Integrated Tsunami Alert System of Mexico and Central America also issued a tsunami stretching from from Ensenada, on the northwest coast of Mexico, to the Central American country of Panama.