Major M7.8 earthquake hits Kamchatka, hazardous tsunami possible, 5.8 Aftershock

Major M7.8 earthquake hits Kamchatka, hazardous tsunami waves possible

Teo Blašković

A powerful M7.8 earthquake hit near the east coast of Kamchatka, Russia at 18:58 UTC on September 18 (06:58 LT on September 19), 2025. The agency is reporting a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). EMSC is reporting M7.7 at a depth of 40 km (25 miles)

The epicenter was located 145 km (90 miles) E of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky (population 181 216), Kamchatka, Russia.

241 000 people are estimated to have felt strong shaking, 33 000 moderate and 11 000 light.Based on the preliminary earthquake parameters (M7.8) hazardous tsunami waves are possible for coasts located within 1 000 km (620 miles) of the earthquake epicenter, NWS PTWC said.

A tsunami threat exists for parts of the Pacific closer to the earthquake but it is still too early to determine whether Hawaii is under threat, the center said at 19:05 UTC. “If a tsunami threat to Hawaii is confirmed, the earliest possible arrival time is 14:51 HST on Thursday, September 18.”The USGS issued a Green alert for shaking-related fatalities and Yellow alert for economic losses. Some damage is possible and the impact should be relatively localized. Estimated economic losses are less than 1% of GDP of Russia. Past events with this alert level have required a local or regional level response.

Russia Earthquake: 7.8 Magnitude Quake Strikes Near Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky; Tsunami Advisory

A powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck near Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky in eastern Russia, according to preliminary data from the US Geological Survey (USGS). The quake occurred at 11:58 PM PDT on September 18, with its epicenter located approximately 128 kilometers (about 80 miles) east of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky at a depth of 10 km. The coordinates were recorded at 53.168°N, 160.532°E.

In response to the seismic event, a Tsunami Advisory has been issued for the Western Aleutian Islands of Alaska. No other parts of the continental United States or Canada are currently under any tsunami alerts, according to the National Tsunami Warning Center.

NWS Anchorage posted the following message on X, "An earthquake has occurred that is generating tsunami waves. The National Tsunami Warning Center has issued a Tsunami Advisory. Strong waves and currents are dangerous to those in or very near water. Areas in the Advisory should not expect widespread inundation."

Emergency officials are monitoring the situation closely. There are no immediate reports of damage or casualties, but assessments are ongoing.

Latest Update: A 5.8 magnitude earthquake has struck 157 km east of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Russia, 10 minutes after the initial 7.8 tremor in the same region, according to USGS.