Seismic waves emanating from a Russian earthquake generate a minor tidal fluctuation in Hong Kong's coastal waters
Minimal Tsunami Impact in Hong Kong from Russia's Kamchatka Earthquake
A magnitude 8.8 earthquake that struck off Russia's Kamchatka peninsula on July 30, 2025, generated a tsunami that reached Hong Kong with only a small impact on sea levels. The Hong Kong Observatory recorded a sea-level anomaly of approximately 7 centimetres (2.8 inches) at the Shek Pik tide station around 6:40 p.m. and 7:16 p.m.[1][2][4]
Initially, the tsunami waves were too low to be observable, but they were detected as recurring waves with intervals ranging from 5 to 60 minutes, exceeding the normal tide by approximately 0.1 meters (4 inches) at most.[1][2][4] Despite the earthquake and tsunami causing evacuations and significant waves in Japan, the effect on Hong Kong’s sea level was minimal and posed no significant threat.[2][3]
The first few tsunami waves were nearly undetectable in Hong Kong, only measurable as small anomalies later in the afternoon. The waves did not widely impact Hong Kong and had passed by the next morning. There was some indirect disruption, such as fish import interruptions affecting local sushi restaurants.[2][3]
The Observatory in Japan was involved in predicting the tsunami reaching Hong Kong, and the Observatory in Hong Kong continued to monitor and record sea-level anomalies related to the tsunami.[1] The sea-level anomaly at Shek Pik tide station, recorded after the initial arrival of tsunami waves, was around 7 centimetres, which is higher than the previously predicted heights.[1]
The sea-level anomaly at Shek Pik tide station is an indication that subsequent tsunami waves are still in progress. It is essential to note that the sea-level anomaly at Shek Pik tide station is not a yellow alert for a destructive tsunami but rather a sign of ongoing activity in the aftermath of the Kamchatka earthquake.[1]
[1] Hong Kong Observatory - Tsunami Information - https://www.hko.gov.hk/tsunami/ [2] South China Morning Post - Tsunami from Kamchatka earthquake reaches Hong Kong with minimal impact - https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3130312/tsunami-kamchatka-earthquake-reaches-hong-kong-minimal [3] CNA - Tsunami from Kamchatka earthquake reaches Hong Kong with minimal impact - https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/hong-kong-tsunami-kamchatka-earthquake-minimal-impact-1696543 [4] National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - Tsunami Information - https://www.tsunami.gov/
- The minimal impact of the Tsunami on Hong Kong's sea levels caused by the Kamchatka Earthquake highlights the importance of environmental science in predicting and preparing for such natural disasters.
- As the Kamchatka earthquake-induced Tsunami showed, climate-change science can help us better understand the complex relationships between earthquakes, tsunamis, and weather patterns, which are crucial in preparing for future environmental emergencies.
