TSUNAMI WARNING ISSUED FOR CALIFORNIA COAST FOLLOWING MASSIVE PACIFIC EARTHQUAKE
Date: July 29, 2025
Byline: Pacific News Desk – Copyright-Free Content
Los Angeles, CA – The United States National Tsunami Warning Center (NTWC) has issued a Tsunami Warning for coastal regions of California, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Santa Barbara, and San Diego, following a powerful 8.7-magnitude undersea earthquake that struck the Pacific Ocean near the Kuril Islands early Tuesday morning.
Earthquake Details
The seismic event occurred at approximately 4:12 AM Pacific Time, with the epicenter located 180 miles southeast of the Kuril Islands, near the tectonic boundary between the Pacific Plate and the Okhotsk Plate. The earthquake struck at a depth of about 29 kilometers (18 miles) and triggered immediate tsunami model forecasts.
Preliminary tsunami wave projections indicate potential wave activity of 1 to 3 meters (3 to 10 feet) along exposed coastlines, with localized surges possibly exceeding that range depending on ocean floor contours and harbor conditions.
Affected Areas Under Tsunami Warning
The following counties are under a Tsunami Warning:
- Del Norte
- Humboldt
- Mendocino
- Sonoma
- Marin
- San Francisco
- San Mateo
- Santa Cruz
- Monterey
- San Luis Obispo
- Santa Barbara
- Ventura
- Los Angeles
- Orange
- San Diego
Residents in low-lying coastal areas have been instructed to evacuate immediately to higher ground and remain at least 1 mile inland or 100 feet above sea level, wherever possible.
Timing of Expected Impact
According to the NTWC, estimated wave arrival times for California are as follows (local time):
- Crescent City – 7:05 AM
- San Francisco – 7:32 AM
- Santa Barbara – 7:56 AM
- Los Angeles – 8:11 AM
- San Diego – 8:25 AM
Emergency services stress that tsunami waves are not just one surge, but a series that can last hours, with dangerous currents, flooding, and strong undertows. People are urged not to return until the official all-clear is given.
Evacuation and Emergency Measures
California’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) has activated its State Operations Center (SOC) in Mather, and Governor Elena Martinez has declared a State of Emergency for all coastal counties.
Evacuation orders are in effect for multiple coastal neighborhoods, including:
- Venice Beach and Santa Monica (LA County)
- Ocean Beach and Mission Bay (San Diego)
- Embarcadero and Outer Sunset (San Francisco)
- Seacliff, Capitola, and parts of Monterey
Public schools and universities in coastal areas have been closed for the day, and hospitals have implemented emergency protocols.
Air and Rail Disruptions
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO) remain operational but have canceled dozens of inbound and outbound flights from Pacific nations.
- Amtrak has temporarily suspended all coastal routes between San Diego and San Luis Obispo.
Ports and Coastal Infrastructure
The Port of Los Angeles, Port of Long Beach, and Port of Oakland have halted all vessel traffic. Dock workers were evacuated at dawn as part of precautionary measures. The US Coast Guard has deployed patrol units to monitor the surge and support marine rescue operations if necessary.
Public Statements and Preparedness
In a 6:00 AM address, Governor Martinez said:
“We urge everyone in coastal zones to leave immediately. Do not wait to see the wave. Stay off the beaches, boardwalks, piers, and coastal roads. Your life is more important than property. Listen to local authorities and stay informed.”
FEMA Administrator Jordan Reeve confirmed that federal emergency response teams are being mobilized and may deploy to California within hours, depending on the scale of potential damage.
Communications and Resources
- Wireless emergency alerts (WEA) have been sent to residents’ phones in affected counties.
- Public radio stations are providing continuous updates.
- Official updates are available at: www.tsunami.gov and www.CalAlerts.org
What to Do Now (Official Guidelines)
- Evacuate immediately if you are in a Tsunami Warning zone.
- Do NOT go to the beach or attempt to watch the tsunami.
- Stay away from rivers and estuaries connected to the ocean.
- Listen to battery-powered radios for continuous updates.
- Avoid calling 911 unless you have a true emergency—lines must remain open.
Historical Context
This is the first widespread tsunami warning for California since 2011, when an earthquake off the coast of Japan caused waves to reach the West Coast, damaging harbors and vessels.
Tsunamis triggered by Pacific Rim quakes remain one of the greatest natural threats to California’s coastal cities. With over 25 million people living in affected counties, the scale of preparedness and response is critical.
Stay Informed – Stay Safe
Emergency officials emphasize that even minor tsunamis can produce strong, dangerous currents, especially in harbors, marinas, and low-lying neighborhoods. If you are inland and on higher ground, stay put and wait for further instructions. Do not return to evacuated areas until official notice is given.
The situation remains fluid and will be updated as more information becomes available from geologists, oceanographers, and disaster response teams.
