Powerful earthquake triggers tsunami warnings across Pacific region 

Story updated at 10.10am

 

A string of Foreign Office travel advisories were issued early today after a powerful Russian earthquake triggered tsunami alerts across the Pacific region.

 

Specific tsunami wave warnings of up to three metres (10ft) high were made for Japan’s Pacific coast from Hokkaido to Wakayama. 

 

Evacuation orders were issued for parts of the Pacific region and areas of the US west coast.

 

However, a tsunami warning covering Hawaii was downgraded to an advisory level, according to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre.

 

This means there is the potential of strong waves, minor flooding and strong currents, but that a major tsunami is not expected to hit.

 

Almost two million people in Japan have reportedly been told to evacuate and a tsunami wave of 4.3ft (1.3m) has reached the northern Iwate prefecture, according to the country’s weather agency after the Japanese Meteorological Agency issued tsunami warnings.

 

Hawaii is on full tsunami alert, with people told to get to higher ground and ships asked to remain offshore. 

 

The mayor of Honolulu has told residents: "Please take this very seriously. Get yourself as high as you possibly can".

 

The US National Weather Service told people on the west coast to avoid beaches, harbours and marinas.

 

The 8.8 magnitude earthquake - one of the strongest ever recorded - off of the eastern coast of Russia struck at a depth of 12 miles off the Kamchatka Peninsula in eastern Siberia.

 

A tsunami threat message was also made by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre.

 

The US National Weather Service said: “A strong earthquake in the Pacific Basin has generated a tsunami wave. 

 

“Tsunami warnings and advisories have been issued for Hawaii, portions of Alaska, Guam, American Samoa, and the west coast of the US.”

 

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office declared travel advisories for countries including the US, New Zealand, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru and various Pacific island nations such as Samoa, the Solomon Islands and Tonga. 

 

Canada, China, Taiwan and the Philippines were added to the list later this morning.

 

“If you are in the affected areas potentially affected by the earthquake or tsunami you should follow the advice of the local authorities,” the FCDO said.

 

Referring to Japan, the FCDO added: “For further information in English, please access the NHK website."

 

The White House took to social media site X to say: “Due to a massive earthquake that occurred in the Pacific Ocean, a tsunami warning is in effect for those living in Hawaii. A tsunami watch is in effect for Alaska and the Pacific coast of the United States. Japan is also in the way.”