Travellers and tourism operators across parts of Russia and Japan are breathing a sigh of relief after tsunami warnings were lifted following a powerful earthquake off Russia’s eastern coast.
The magnitude 8.8 earthquake struck off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula on 30 July 2025 at 8:25 a.m. Japan time, triggering tsunami alerts across Japan’s Pacific coast, including Hokkaido, Aomori and Iwate prefectures.
Authorities issued evacuation orders affecting more than 1.9 million residents in over 200 coastal municipalities. Transport services were suspended and ports temporarily closed.
Sea level changes remained moderate – around 1.2 to 1.3 metres in parts of eastern Hokkaido – and no major injuries or damage were reported in Japan. The tsunami warnings were downgraded later that day.
Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said, “We have not received any reports of serious damage. The situation is under control, but we advise continued vigilance.”
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center confirmed, “The tsunami threat from this earthquake has passed.”
While Severo–Kurilsk in Russia reported some flooding and damage from waves of up to 4 metres, the overall impact across the region was limited.
Japan’s travel infrastructure has since resumed normal operations. There are no new travel advisories, and the Japan National Tourism Organisation has assured that the country remains safe for visitors.
AloJapan.com