A massive 8.7 magnitude earthquake off the coast of Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula has triggered a tsunami advisory for large sections of the B.C. coastline, including parts of Vancouver Island and the Haida Gwaii region.
According to EmergencyInfoBC, the quake struck around 4:25 PM PDT on Tuesday, prompting officials to place Tsunami Notification Zones A, B, C and D under advisory. This includes:
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Zone A: North Coast and Haida Gwaii
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Zone B: Central Coast and Northeast Vancouver Island, including Kitimat, Bella Coola, and Port Hardy
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Zone C: West Coast of Vancouver Island from Cape Scott to Port Renfrew
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Zone D: Juan de Fuca Strait from Jordan River to Greater Victoria, including the Saanich Peninsula
If you’re in Metro Vancouver or the Gulf Islands, you’re in the clear — Zone E, which includes our region, is not part of the current advisory.
For Tsunami Notification Zones A, B, C, & D currently under Tsunami Advisory:
• Stay out of the water. DO NOT go to the shore to observe currents or waves
• Avoid low-lying coastal areas, harbors, marinas & beaches until emergency officials say it is safe
• Monitor for… https://t.co/rMo16swgLj pic.twitter.com/9siotR5snt— Emergency Info BC (@EmergencyInfoBC) July 30, 2025
What does a tsunami advisory actually mean?
This is not a warning, but it’s also not nothing. A tsunami advisory means strong currents are likely and could pose serious danger to anyone in the water or near the shoreline. Officials are urging people to stay away from beaches, inlets, harbours, and marinas, and not to go out to “watch the waves.”
Let’s be real: this isn’t the time to go Instagram Live from the breakwater.
If you’re a boat operator and conditions permit, authorities recommend moving to deeper water (at least 180 feet deep) to avoid damage from potential wave surges or debris. And no matter where you are, please don’t call 9-1-1 unless it’s a true emergency — lines need to stay open for those in real need.
When will it hit?
According to initial forecasts, the earliest wave arrival could be around 11:30 PM PT Tuesday night in Tofino. However, tsunami activity can vary depending on geography and ocean conditions. Authorities stress that people stay alert for updates and listen to local emergency services.
If you’re in an affected zone and you notice the tide suddenly recede, treat it as a red flag and evacuate to higher ground immediately.
Stay Informed
You can keep up with live updates through:
The story is still developing, and we’ll keep you updated if anything changes. For now, let’s all stay safe, stay smart, and maybe don’t plan a beach bonfire tonight.