Threat of Major Tsunami in US Subsides, Alerts Remain in Place – Global Tsunami Warnings Update

Breaking News update July 30, 2025

Threat of Major Tsunami in US Subsides, Alerts Remain in Place – Global Tsunami Warnings Update

By Zamal Uddin

The threat of a major tsunami hitting the US has officially passed, according to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. While the immediate danger has eased, officials confirm that tsunami alerts remain active across parts of the US West Coast, urging residents to stay cautious and avoid beaches and shorelines.

🌊 Tsunami Threat in the US – Latest Updates

Secretary Noem announced that the United States is no longer expecting massive tsunami waves following the 8.8-magnitude earthquake in the Pacific region. However, the National Weather Service (NWS) has advised that coastal areas of California, Oregon, and Washington could still experience minor sea-level fluctuations and strong rip currents.

“We anticipate minimal impact, but people in affected zones should remain vigilant,” Noem said during a press briefing.

🌍 Global Tsunami Warnings and Advisories

The Pacific Ocean tsunami alert has triggered evacuations and safety measures in multiple regions:

North America – Warnings remain for California (Humboldt to Oregon border) and Mexico. Advisories are active for Hawaii, Washington, South Alaska, and Central Aleutians.
South America – Chile, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and El Salvador are under tsunami warnings. Colombia, Ecuador, and the Galápagos Islands have active advisories.
Oceania – Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and French Polynesia remain on high alert, with predicted waves up to 4 meters in Nuku Hiva Island.
Asia – Japan's Pacific coastline faces advisories, while alerts have been lifted in Taiwan, Philippines, and parts of China.
Russia – The tsunami advisory for Kamchatka and Sakhalin Island has been canceled.

🏝️ Evacuations in the Galápagos Islands

Authorities in the Galápagos Islands have issued preventive evacuation orders for vulnerable coastal regions. Flights have been delayed, and residents are being directed to safe high-ground zones to minimize risks.

🇫🇷 Macron Warns French Polynesia of Incoming Tsunami

French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that government departments have been mobilized in French Polynesia as waves up to 4 meters are expected to hit Marquesas Islands, particularly Nuku Hiva. Macron urged citizens to follow local authorities and prioritize safety.

🌐 Tsunami Speed Explained

Tsunami waves can travel at over 500 mph (800 km/h) in deep waters—comparable to a passenger jet. While the waves may go unnoticed in the open ocean, they slow down to around 20–30 mph as they approach shallow coastal areas, growing in height and potentially causing devastating flooding.

📰 Situation in Guam

In Guam, a US territory, residents initially moved inland following tsunami advisories but returned home as no dangerous waves were recorded. The advisory has since been canceled, though minor sea level fluctuations and rip currents may persist.

✅ Safety Recommendations

Stay away from beaches and coastal areas until official all-clear signals.
Follow evacuation instructions issued by local authorities.
Monitor official alerts from the National Weather Service and Pacific Tsunami Warning Center.