A powerful 8.7-magnitude earthquake off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula on Tuesday has prompted tsunami warnings across parts of the Pacific, including along Mexico’s west coast. Authorities are closely monitoring potential impacts in Puerto Vallarta and surrounding coastal areas.
The quake struck at 11:25 p.m. UTC on July 29, with its epicenter located 136 kilometers east of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky at a depth of 19 kilometers, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The seismic event triggered automatic tsunami watches across the Pacific Basin.
Mexico’s Chiapas Meteorological Agency, in coordination with the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center and the DART early warning system, projected that tsunami waves could reach Puerto Vallarta by approximately 4:47 a.m. (Central Mexico Time) on July 30. Other coastal locations are also being monitored.
In addition to Puerto Vallarta, authorities have activated monitoring protocols in Ensenada, Mazatlán, Manzanillo, San Blas, Acapulco, Salina Cruz, and Cabo San Lucas. Neighboring Central American countries, including Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama, are also under observation.
Although no evacuations have been ordered, the Mexican Army and Civil Protection agencies have been alerted to prepare for potential action. Residents and visitors are advised to stay off the beaches and avoid maritime activities until further notice.
Japan’s Meteorological Agency also recorded the quake and issued tsunami warnings for Alaska, Hawaii, and several Pacific islands. Japanese officials cautioned about potential aftershocks and urged people to remain away from coastal areas.
Mexico’s Navy Tsunami Warning Center estimates that wave heights could reach up to 20 centimeters in some areas, though variations may occur as new data becomes available.
The earthquake is linked to tectonic activity in the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region known for frequent and powerful seismic events.
The Comprehensive Tsunami Warning System for Mexico and Central America (SIAT-MAC) has pledged ongoing updates and advised the public to follow instructions from Civil Protection authorities.