30.07.2025 11:04
The second largest earthquake in history occurred last night, following the 9.0 magnitude earthquake that struck Russia in 1952. The earthquake that happened 73 years ago caused the highest number of casualties and the greatest economic damage in the Hawaiian Islands. Fearing to experience the same disaster again, Hawaii has gone on high alert against a potentially devastating tsunami. A state of emergency has been declared, and sirens are sounding in the region.
In 1952, the Kamchatka Peninsula in eastern Russia was shaken by the most severe earthquake in its history. While the greatest damage and loss of life occurred in Hawaii in 1952, the state went on alert following the earthquake that struck last night.
OVER 2,000 CASUALTIES On November 5, 1952, at 04:58 local time, a magnitude 9 earthquake resulted in the deaths of 2,336 people. According to initial assessments, there were no casualties from the 8.8 magnitude earthquake.
The historic tremor triggered a massive tsunami that struck the Russian Federation, the USSR, Sakhalin Oblast, the Kuril Islands, and Severo-Kurilsk. This led to the destruction of many settlements in Sakhalin Oblast and Kamchatka Oblast, with the main blow hitting the town of Severo-Kurilsk. This earthquake was recorded as the strongest earthquake ever documented in Russia.
HAWAII WAS HIT HARDEST BY THE 1952 EARTHQUAKE The greatest economic damage was caused by the tsunami waves that struck the Hawaiian Islands, resulting in material losses estimated between $800,000 and $1,000,000 in 1952 dollars. The waves caused a cement barge in Honolulu harbor to collide with a cargo ship. An expensive boathouse was destroyed in Hilo. A small part of the bridge connecting Hilo to nearby Coconut Island was damaged due to strong waves that uprooted the foundations of homes in the area. Coast Guard buoys broke free from their moorings.
HAWAII IS ON ALERT Due to the 8.8 magnitude earthquake, one of the largest in history occurring in the Pacific Ocean, tsunami alerts were issued in many countries with coastlines. As some of the waves began to reach the shores of Japan, a state of emergency was declared in Hawaii, which had suffered significant damage in 1952. The state administration warned citizens to move to higher ground while sirens were sounded in the area.
Tsunami waves reached the shores of Hawaii. "TSUNAMI WILL SURROUND THE ISLANDS" Following the 8.8 magnitude earthquakes in the Kamchatka Region of eastern Russia, Hawaii Governor Josh Green made statements regarding the tsunami threat expected to hit Hawaii. Calling on citizens to evacuate coastal areas immediately, Green stated that the areas affected by the tsunami would not be limited to specific regions, but would "surround the islands."
Green mentioned that flooding in the islands would be inevitable after the tsunami strikes and that emergency teams are prepared.
"MOVE TO HIGHER GROUND" WARNING Rick Blangiardi, the Mayor of Honolulu, Hawaii, stated in an interview with local KITV that it is important for people to remain calm, but citizens in low-lying areas need to move to higher ground.
Blangiardi emphasized that the actions being taken are precautionary, saying, "We do not want to create unnecessary panic; we want everyone to remain calm. We are trying to act as early as possible to give people sufficient warning and the opportunity to move to higher ground."
PORTS CLOSED TO VESSEL TRAFFIC The U.S. Coast Guard announced that all commercial vessels were requested to leave Hawaii's ports, and all ports in Hawaii were closed to incoming vessel traffic.