World's Strongest Earthquake in 14 Years Strikes Russia
On July 30, 2025, an 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula — the strongest quake globally in 14 years, shaking the region and triggering tsunami warnings worldwide
The quake hit about 136 km east-southeast of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky at a shallow depth of 18–20 km, increasing its destructive potential near the surface
This quake matches the intensity of the 2011 Japan disaster and is among the top six most powerful earthquakes ever recorded on Earth
Tsunami waves 3 to 4 meters high hit Severo-Kurilsk, flooding port areas, damaging buildings, and forcing rapid evacuations across eastern Russia
In Japan, 50 cm waves struck Ishinomaki, and tsunami sirens blared across Hokkaido and coastal cities. Thousands rushed to higher ground and rooftops for safety
The US West Coast, Hawaii, and parts of Alaska were placed under tsunami alerts. Waves up to 1 ft were expected in areas like California and Oregon
Tsunami advisories reached as far as Mexico, Peru, New Zealand, Taiwan, and the Philippines, with warnings of up to 1-meter waves in low-lying coastal zones
Damage was reported in Russian port towns, including flooding at a fish processing plant, power outages, and minor injuries. A state of emergency was declared in some zones
Russian and international agencies have warned of possible aftershocks up to 7.5 magnitude in the coming days and weeks, urging people to stay alert
Authorities across the Pacific continue to monitor rising tides, shifting tectonic plates, and the psychological aftershocks of this devastating geological event