July 30, 2025 – Tokyo, Japan
A powerful earthquake measuring magnitude 8.8 struck off the eastern coast of Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula early Tuesday morning, triggering tsunami waves that have already begun to reach parts of Japan’s northern coastline, prompting widespread alerts and emergency responses.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) initially reported the earthquake at magnitude 8.0 before revising it to 8.7, and most recently to 8.8, marking it as one of the strongest tremors to strike the region in recent years.
At approximately 10:20 a.m. local time, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba addressed the public during a press briefing at the Prime Minister’s Office, announcing the activation of a crisis response center to monitor the situation. The government is still assessing potential damage to infrastructure and public safety.
Prime Minister Ishiba stated that he had issued three immediate directives:
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Disseminate accurate and timely updates about the tsunami and evacuation procedures.
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Enforce disaster prevention measures, including evacuation of residents and damage assessment.
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Collaborate with local governments to prioritize saving lives and minimizing harm.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi also addressed the media, confirming that a 30-centimeter tsunami wave was observed around 10:30 a.m. in Nemuro City, Hokkaido. He urged residents in affected areas to immediately evacuate to higher ground or designated shelters, emphasizing that subsequent waves could be more destructive.
“Even if the first wave seems small, larger waves may follow. Remain in safe areas until official clearance is given,” Hayashi warned.
Emergency teams from multiple government branches, including the police, fire services, Self-Defense Forces, Coast Guard, and Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism, have been deployed via helicopter and ground units to inspect the impacted zones.
So far, there are no confirmed casualties or property damage, and critical lifeline infrastructure remains operational. However, precautionary shutdowns have affected three expressway segments, 41 railway routes across 17 operators, and Sendai Airport’s runway has been temporarily closed.
Hayashi added that no irregularities have been reported at any of Japan’s nuclear power facilities, and there are no current marine disaster alerts beyond the tsunami warning.
Officials continue to monitor the situation closely and will issue further guidance as needed.
