Evacuations were ordered across the Pacific Ocean after a magnitude 8.8 earthquake struck off Russia’s Far Eastern Kamchatka Peninsula on Wednesday.
Tsunami waves over 3 meters high were recorded in the Russian Pacific town of Severo-Kurilsk, with some waves reaching up to 5 meters, Russia’s RIA Novosti news agency reported on Wednesday, citing emergency services. CNBC was unable to confirm the report.
Over in Hawaii, residents along the coast were told to move to the fourth floor or above in buildings with at least 10 stories. The Emergency Management Agency ordered all commercial habors to be closed and warned that “the arrival of tsunami waves can happen over a period of hours.” Hawaii Governor Josh Green said all flights in and out of Maui were canceled.
Japan issued an evacuation alert after the major earthquake, while warning alerts of a tsunami were sounded in coastal towns across the country’s Pacific coast. According to Japan’s Kyodo news agency, automaker Nissan Motor suspended operations at some domestic factories.
Take a look at some of the photos below.
Traffic in Waikiki, Hawaii
Parking queues form in Japan
Fleeing residents in Sakhalin Oblast, Russia
Aerial view of a flooded town in Russia
Boat leaves Waikiki, Hawaii
Japanese police clear beach
Tokyo Bay beachgoers evacuate seaside park
Kamchatka governor leads emergency meeting
Japan Meteorological Agency holds briefing
Travel disruption in Japan
Tsunami alert empties train station
Source: CNBC