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An 8.8-magnitude earthquake struck eastern Russia’s Kamchatka peninsula on Wednesday, July 30, sending shockwaves throughout the Pacific Ocean. The massive quake triggered tsunami warnings in Hawaii, Alaska, Japan, and beyond.
Many countries have since lifted their tsunami advisories, allowing millions of evacuees to return home. Hawaii has officially issued an all-clear announcement, and California has cancelled its last remaining tsunami advisories. If you have trips planned to any of the impacted destinations, here's the latest guidance.
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California
On Thursday, July 31 the last of California's tsunami advisories were lifted. “And that brings this tsunami event to a close,” the National Weather Service San Francisco Bay Area said on X at 8:00 a.m. local time. “The last of the advisories have been cancelled.”
Modest tsunami waves of up to four feet in size arrived in Crescent City, California on Wednesday, causing minor damage and flooding, the Los Angeles Times reports. Flights continue to operate on schedule at San Francisco International Airport and Los Angeles International Airport.
Hawaii
On Tuesday evening, Hawaii had been expecting a so-called wave of significance to hit its islands and issued tsunami warnings and evacuation orders for coastal inundation zones. Fortunately, the impact on the islands was milder than expected, and the warning was downgraded to a tsunami advisory just before 11 p.m. local time on Tuesday evening.
The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (HIEMA) officially lifted the tsunami advisory on Wednesday. “After extensive discussions and monitoring with the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC), we are pleased to report that conditions have stabilized, and there is no longer any risk of a tsunami affecting our state,” the agency said in a statement. “As a result, the Advisory has been formally canceled.”
The agency added that it is urging “residents to exercise caution and follow any county directives as ocean activities resume, ensuring the safety of all individuals on or near local waters.”
Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines both restarted flights to Hawaii on Wednesday morning. The two carriers had paused operations across the islands on Tuesday afternoon. “All airports are resuming normal operations," the Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau said in a statement on Wednesday. “Travelers should check directly with their airline for flight status and updates before heading to the airport, as there may be delays due to the earlier suspension of operations. ”
Chile
Chilean officials said 1.4 million people were evacuated from the coast on Wednesday, July 30, during what was “perhaps the most massive evacuation ever carried out in our country,” per the country's Ministry of Interior.
The Chilean National Disaster Prevention and Response Service cancelled many of the country's tsunami advisories on Thursday, July 31, including in Easter Island, a popular tourist destination. Six regions remain under a “caution” advisory for tsunami threats as of 6:35 a.m. local time on Thursday: Arica and Parinacota, Northern Atacama (up to the southern limit of Copiapo province), Atacama Sur (from the northern limit of the Huasco province), Coquimbo, Ohiggins, and Ñuble—Biobio.
Galápagos Islands
The tsunami warning for the Galápagos Islands was canceled on Wednesday, July 30, the government said in a statement on X. According to Ecuador's Oceanographic Institute of the Naval Forces, “there is no longer a tsunami threat for the island coasts,” the public notice reads. “Maritime activities and access to marine-coastal areas are restored.”
Tourist areas in Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands were closed on Wednesday, including beaches and protected maritime zones, CNN reported. More than 2,300 tourists and residents were safely evacuated to higher ground, according to government officials.
Japan
The Japan Meteorological Agency cancelled all tsunami advisories in the country on Thursday, July 31. “No major tsunami warnings or advisories are currently in effect,” the government agency said on its website.
Sendai Airport, in northeast Japan, was closed down on Wednesday, according to NHK World Japan. Osaka’s Kansai International Airport had about 150 flight delays and counting on Wednesday, according to data from FlightAware. However, the busy coastal hub saw almost no cancelled flights.
This is a breaking news story. More information will be added as it becomes available.
Originally Appeared on Condé Nast Traveler
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