Tsunami Watch Issued Then Quickly Lifted For Hawaii After Major Russian Earthquake
A powerful earthquake struck off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula on July 19, 2025 (Hawaii time), triggering a short-lived tsunami watch across Hawaii. Geologists initially recorded the quake as magnitude‑7.5, later refined to 7.4, occurring around 8:49 p.m. HST about 144 km east of Petropavlovsk‑Kamchatsky.
Within minutes, smaller but still significant tremors followed, 6.7 and 6.6 magnitude quakes, within an hour in the same offshore zone.
These seismic events prompted the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) to issue a tsunami watch for Hawaii at approximately 9:03 p.m. HST, citing concern for potential waves reaching coastal areas even far from the quake’s epicenter.
The notice from the Honolulu Department of Emergency Management stressed a clear warning:
“Tsunami Watch Issued – Prepare to Act! A Tsunami Watch means a tsunami is possible, but the situation is still being evaluated.”
However, after reviewing seismic data and ocean sensor readings, PTWC found no credible tsunami threat to Hawaii. The watch was canceled at 9:42 p.m. HST, less than 40 minutes after being declared.
PTWC confirmed:
“Based on all available data, there is no tsunami threat to the State of Hawaiʻi. Therefore… the Tsunami Watch for Hawaiʻi is now canceled.”
Despite the cancellation, gauges in Hawaiʻi registered minor wave activity, particularly near Haleiwa and other North Shore sites, measuring a few inches—well below danger levels. Emergency officials highlighted this incident as an important reminder for tsunami preparedness, encouraging residents to know evacuation zones and safe inland routes ahead of time.
Key Facts:
Earthquake: Magnitude initially 7.5, revised to 7.4; struck 8:49 p.m. HST, 20 km deep, ~144 km east of Petropavlovsk‐Kamchatsky.
Tsunami Watch Issued: 9:03 p.m. HST, as a precaution by PTWC and Honolulu emergency management.
Watch Canceled: 9:42 p.m. HST, after confirming no dangerous tsunami waves expected.
Wave Measurements: Minor swells recorded (mere inches), no coastal damage
Why It Matters
This brief watch underscores how quickly earthquake and tsunami systems can mobilize across the Pacific when seismic activity occurs. Hawaii remains vulnerable to undersea earthquakes—past events, like the 1952 Kamchatka quake, generated major waves that struck the islands hours later. Today’s alert, though ultimately non‑threatening, reinforced how crucial timely data and clear communication are in safeguarding coastal communities.