UPDATE 7:00 p.m.: The National Tsunami Warning Center has upgraded the earlier Tsunami Watch to a Tsunami Advisory for the entire California coastline, including Southern California, effective until further notice.
The advisory follows a confirmed tsunami-generating 8.7 magnitude earthquake that struck off the coast of Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula at 4:24 p.m. PT on Monday, July 29.
A Tsunami Advisory means a tsunami is either expected or already occurring and may bring strong currents and dangerous waves to those in or near the water. While widespread coastal flooding is not expected, localized inundation is possible.
Officials urge the public to stay out of the water and away from beaches, piers, and coastal waterways. Do not attempt to observe the waves, as conditions may be hazardous.
Residents in coastal areas should remain alert and monitor official updates. The estimated arrival time for tsunami activity in the Los Angeles Harbor is approximately 1:05 a.m.
For the latest information, visit the National Tsunami Warning Center at: tsunami.gov
Tsunami watch issued for California coast, including Malibu, following 8.7 earthquake off Russia’s eastern shore
A tsunami watch was issued Tuesday afternoon, July 29, for the entire California coastline — including Malibu — after a powerful 8.7 magnitude earthquake struck off Russia’s remote eastern coast near the Kamchatka Peninsula.
The earthquake occurred at 4:25 p.m. PT, approximately 80 miles southwest of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. The National Tsunami Warning Center in Alaska quickly issued advisories, including a tsunami warning for portions of the Alaska Aleutian Islands and a tsunami watch for coastal areas of California, Oregon, Washington, and Hawaii.
Although Malibu beaches remain open, city officials and public safety personnel are urging residents and visitors to avoid the shoreline, piers, and river mouths. The National Weather Service warns that tsunami waves can wrap around land masses, posing threats even in locations not directly facing the quake zone.
The City of Malibu confirmed the local impact of the alert on social media:
“The National Tsunami Warning Center has issued a Tsunami Watch for the entire California coast, including Southern California, in effect until further notice, following a confirmed tsunami-generating 8.7 earthquake that struck the north Pacific off Russia at 4:24 p.m. today.”
A tsunami watch means a tsunami might occur. It is issued as a precaution after a potentially tsunami-generating event, but before confirmation that a tsunami has been detected. Officials urge the public to stay alert and be prepared to move quickly to higher ground if conditions change.
The estimated tsunami arrival time for the Los Angeles Harbor is currently projected for 1:05 a.m. on Wednesday, July 30.
City staff is coordinating with the Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management and will continue to monitor the situation closely, posting updates as needed.
Malibu Residents Are Urged To:
- Monitor official news and emergency alert systems
- Avoid beaches, coves, piers, and coastal trails
- Be prepared with an evacuation plan, especially if living in low-lying coastal zones
As of Tuesday evening, no tsunami waves had been detected. However, seismic activity and ocean buoy data are being closely monitored across the Pacific.
A tsunami watch is the lowest of the three alert levels issued by the National Tsunami Warning Center. It serves as an early advisory that a tsunami is possible. In contrast, a tsunami warning means a tsunami is either imminent or already occurring and can result in dangerous flooding, strong currents, and destructive waves.
For official updates, follow the City of Malibu – Government and Malibu Emergency Services on social media. You can also sign up for emergency alerts at Alert LA County and visit the National Tsunami Warning Center for real-time information.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned to verified sources for updates as the situation evolves.