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Videos capture the exact moment of the earthquake and tsunami in Russia

Security camera videos and social media users captured the exact moment of the earthquake in Kamchatka, Russia

An 8.8-magnitude earthquake was recorded in Kamchatka, Russia, a remote peninsula located in the far eastern part of the country, bordered by the Pacific Ocean. This area, little known to many, is one of the most seismically active regions in the world, as it lies within the so-called “Pacific Ring of Fire,” a tectonic belt that includes countries like Japan, Chile, and the United States.

On July 29, 2025, the peninsula became the epicenter of an 8.8-magnitude earthquake, according to the latest update from the United States Geological Survey (USGS). Initially reported as a 8.7-magnitude quake, the event was later recalibrated to the higher figure following new depth and energy analyses.

What was the earthquake like in Kamchatka, Russia?

The quake struck at 1:22 PM local time, with its epicenter located 136 kilometers east of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, the regional capital, at a depth of 19 kilometers. Its proximity to urban centers triggered an immediate wave of panic among residents.

Security cameras and social media users captured the exact moment of the tremor, showing the violent shaking: cars rocking, balconies swaying, furniture toppling inside homes, and people running barefoot into the streets during the Russian summer, without time to put on shoes or coats.

The state agency TASS reported from the scene that there were power outages, mobile network failures, and minor damage to local infrastructure. In addition, there were several injuries, although all are reported to be in stable condition. Among the injured was a woman who was hurt after jumping out of a window during evacuation.

According to the regional health minister, Oleg Melnikov, “everyone is in satisfactory condition” and “no serious injuries have been reported at this time.”

Which countries are on tsunami alert after the quake?

The powerful earthquake immediately triggered international alert systems. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) issued urgent bulletins to several countries, including:

  • Russia: An alert was issued along the entire Pacific coast, especially in Kamchatka.
  • Japan: Authorities activated evacuation plans for multiple coastal prefectures, including Hokkaido. Broadcaster NHK reported that a tsunami wave of 30 centimeters had already struck Nemuro, a port city in northeastern Japan.
  • United States: Especially in Hawaii and some parts of Alaska, where officials issued an immediate evacuation order for areas of Oahu island, including the capital, Honolulu. “Take action now! Destructive tsunami waves are expected,” warned the Honolulu Department of Emergency Management on social media.
  • Ecuador: The U.S. tsunami warning center projected that waves of up to 3 meters could reach the Ecuadorian coast.

More conservative estimates forecast waves between 3 and 4 meters, although authorities stress that the time and intensity of arrival may vary.

What did Japan’s prime minister say about the tsunami?

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba stated that the government is “working to assess the situation” and that any rescue efforts will “put human lives first.” He also urged residents under evacuation orders to move to higher ground and avoid the coasts, emphasizing that the estimated time of wave arrival is only an approximation and that waves could come earlier or later than expected.

Why is Kamchatka so prone to earthquakes?

The Kamchatka region sits on the boundary of tectonic plates, where the Pacific Plate slides beneath the Okhotsk Plate. This constant friction causes a significant buildup of energy, which is periodically released as earthquakes.

In fact, in the days leading up to the July 29 earthquake, several underwater quakes were recorded in the same area, the largest measuring 7.4 in magnitude and occurring at a depth of 20 kilometers. These events may have acted as precursors to the major tremor on Saturday.

What is the current situation in Kamchatka after the quake?

Local authorities continue to monitor for possible aftershocks and structural damage. Although no major collapses have been reported, fear remains among the population. Schools have suspended classes, hospitals have activated emergency protocols, and rescue teams are patrolling the most affected areas.

With information from news agencies and the BBC

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