2025年7月30日清晨，俄羅斯遠東地區的堪察加半島東岸外海發生強烈地震，震央位於北緯52.40度、東經160.20度，震源深度僅10公里，屬於淺層地震。根據中國地震台網測定，此次地震規模為芮氏7.9級；而美國地質調查局（USGS）初步評估為8.0級，後續一度上調至8.7級，顯示此次地震能量極為龐大，具有明顯的破壞與引發次生災害的潛力。

地震發生於北京時間早上7點24分，震央距離陸地不遠，因此周邊地區如俄羅斯的北庫里爾斯克市感受劇烈震動，震感達5至6級。地震導致部分建築受損，其中包括一座幼兒園牆體倒塌，所幸當時校舍內無人，初步尚未傳出人員傷亡。不過當地政府已經啟動緊急疏散機制，迅速組織居民撤離至高地，並發出海嘯預警。

這起地震也引起太平洋周邊國家的高度警戒。日本氣象廳隨即針對北海道至本州南部島嶼沿岸發布海嘯警報，預計最大浪高可達3公尺，警告沿岸居民切勿靠近海邊。美國方面，太平洋海嘯預警中心向夏威夷群島、阿拉斯加沿岸及太平洋中北部地區發布警報，並預測未來3小時內俄羅斯與日本部分海岸將可能遭遇危險級別的海嘯波。這一連串快速反應凸顯環太平洋地震帶的活躍性與各國防災體系的敏銳反應。

在面對海嘯威脅時，民眾應了解並掌握基本避難原則，這對於生命安全至關重要。當地震過後若出現長時間搖晃、難以站立或伴隨海岸線異常退潮時，就應立即提高警覺。海嘯來臨時可能比地震本身更具致命性，尤其在地震震央靠近海域時，海嘯波能夠迅速抵達沿岸，甚至在地震發生後短短幾分鐘內便襲擊陸地。

在此情況下，最佳的避難行動是立刻前往高處或內陸，不應停留在港口、海灘或低窪地區，更不應為拍照或觀察而延遲撤離。若身處無法迅速撤離的區域，尋找堅固建築的高樓層暫時避難，並隨時收聽當地政府或媒體發布的最新警報。家中如有準備緊急避難包（內含飲水、食品、手電筒、急救用品等），可於第一時間攜帶，以應對可能的中斷狀況。

此次俄羅斯海域強震再次提醒全球，地震與海嘯是自然界中最不可預測、破壞力最強的複合型災害之一。即使是技術先進的國家，也無法完全避免地震本身的發生，但透過科學監測、民眾教育與有效疏散體系，仍能在災難面前守住生命的底線。隨著氣候變遷與地殼活動的不確定性增強，全球各地均應持續強化對災害的應變能力與公眾的防災意識。

In the early morning of July 30, 2025, a powerful earthquake struck off the eastern coast of the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia’s Far East. The epicenter was located at latitude 52.40°N and longitude 160.20°E, with a shallow depth of just 10 kilometers. According to the China Earthquake Networks Center (CENC), the quake measured magnitude 7.9 on the Richter scale. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) initially estimated it at magnitude 8.0, later revising it up to 8.7, indicating an extremely powerful event with significant potential for destruction and secondary disasters.

The earthquake occurred at 7:24 a.m. Beijing time, with the epicenter relatively close to land. Areas nearby, such as the Russian city of Severo-Kurilsk, experienced intense shaking, with tremors rated between magnitude 5 and 6. The quake caused structural damage in the region, including the collapse of a kindergarten wall. Fortunately, the school was empty at the time, and no casualties have been reported so far. Local authorities quickly activated emergency evacuation protocols, moving residents to higher ground and issuing a tsunami warning.

This seismic event triggered heightened alert levels across countries in the Pacific Rim. Japan’s Meteorological Agency issued tsunami warnings along coastal areas from Hokkaido down to the southern islands, predicting waves as high as 3 meters and urging residents to stay away from the shoreline. In the United States, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued alerts for Hawaii, Alaska, and other parts of the North and Central Pacific, forecasting that dangerous tsunami waves could hit coastal regions of Russia and Japan within three hours. This swift and coordinated response underscores both the high activity of the Pacific “Ring of Fire” and the readiness of disaster-preparedness systems in affected countries.

In the face of tsunami threats, it is critical that the public understands and follows basic evacuation protocols, which are essential for protecting lives. If, after an earthquake, there is prolonged shaking, difficulty standing, or unusual receding of the shoreline, people should be on high alert. Tsunamis can be far more deadly than the quake itself, especially when the epicenter is near the sea, as waves can reach the coast within minutes of the earthquake.

In such situations, the safest action is to immediately move to higher ground or inland. People should avoid staying near ports, beaches, or low-lying areas, and should not delay evacuation to take photos or watch the ocean. If immediate evacuation is not possible, seek shelter on the upper floors of a sturdy building and monitor updates from local authorities or the media. If available, grab a prepared emergency kit—containing essentials like water, food, a flashlight, and first aid supplies—to stay safe during potential infrastructure disruptions.

This major earthquake off the Russian coast is yet another reminder to the world that earthquakes and tsunamis are among nature’s most unpredictable and devastating compound disasters. Even the most technologically advanced nations cannot prevent such events from occurring. However, through scientific monitoring, public education, and effective evacuation systems, it is possible to preserve lives in the face of catastrophe. As climate change and geological instability continue to increase global uncertainty, countries around the world must remain vigilant and continuously strengthen their disaster preparedness and public awareness.