Tsunami waves have begun reaching the coast of Hawaii after an 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck Russia’s far east during the early hours of Wednesday, causing devastation and triggering mass evacuations.
Evacuation orders have been issued for large parts of the US West Coast, with authorities ordering people to “take action now” and get away from the sea.
Tsunamis are triggered by underwater earthquakes, which cause the seafloor to rise and drop, lifting water up and down. The energy from this pushes huge volumes of sea water that transfers to waves. While many people think of a tsunami as one big wave, in reality they are typically multiple waves that rush ashore like a fast-rising tide.
Tsunami waves as high as 5 metres hit coastal areas of the disputed Kuril Islands shortly after the earthquake, while Japanese authorities recorded tsunami waves of around 40cm in 16 locations off the coast of Hokkaido. More than 900,000 people across Japan’s eastern seaboard were asked to evacuate.
Tsunami warnings are also in place for parts of China, Canada and other coasts south toward New Zealand.
People in Hawaii prepare to evacuate
Briton Rich Hill, 49, from Derbyshire who lives on Maui with his Hawaiian wife and children, was among those who had packed up, ready to evacuate.
He said: “We live in Kihei, South Maui, about ¾ of a mile from the shore. The first reports were really worrying, especially when the size of the earthquake was reported. Our family was scattered across the island so we all got home as quickly as we could. We packed overnight bags but decided to stay home because we were just outside the evacuation zone.
“The tsunami is passing across the islands right now. I think – hope – the worst is passed but we have a long night ahead. The sirens and the information systems put in place since the Lahaina fire 2 years ago were excellent today. Everyone has had good time to get to higher ground or to the shelters that have been set up.
“We are hoping that everyone stays safe as the smaller waves come in, and also that people stay out of the water because the currents are so strong. Fortunately the schools are still out for summer, and we are being advised to stay home as the rest of the wave train passes us.”
Watch live: Tsunami warnings issued for Taiwan after massive earthquake strikes Russia
What time could waves hit the west coast?
On the west coast of the US, the National Weather Service is telling people to avoid beaches, harbours and marinas.
Waves were expected to begin to arrive in California around an hour ago, reaching San Francisco Bay at around 12:40am local time and 1am in Los Angeles Harbour.
More waves up to 5.7ft recorded in Hawaii
More tsunami waves have been recorded hitting Hawaii.
A 5.7ft wave was recorded on Kahului, Maui at a similar time a 4.9ft wave was recorded in Hilo, Hawaii.
A 3.9ft wave was also recorded in Hanalei, Maui.
It comes after a 4ft wave was recorded at Haleiwa, Oahu earlier this morning.
Pictured: People gather supplies in Hawaii
Tsunami sirens sound in remote California city
The small Northern California community of Crescent City turned on its tsunami sirens to warn residents about possible waves.
“You are hearing a Tsunami Siren. We are under a Tsunami Warning. Please stay away from beaches and waterways. A predicted wave may hit at 11.55pm [local time]. We are waiting on additional information about any level of evacuation,” read a post from the City Hall Facebook account.
The city in rural Northern California has roughly 6,000 residents.
A tsunami in 1964 caused by an earthquake in Alaska caused a wave 21ft high to hit the city, killing 11 people and destroying its downtown.
No wave of consequence so far, says Hawaii governor
Hawaii governor Josh Green says tsunami waves are yet to be recorded past Big Island and that there has not yet been a wave of major consequence.
All commercial harbours have been shut and all flights scheduled to depart or arrive at Maui airport have been cancelled, he said.
He added that airports have not yet been impacted by the waves.
The governor said data from Midway Atoll, which is between Japan and Hawaii, measured waves from peak to trough of 6ft.
Watch: Moment massive earthquake hits Russia caught on camera
Powerful 5m-tsunami wave lashes Russian coast
The height of tsunami waves in the Russian Pacific town of Severo-Kurilsk exceeded three metres, and the most powerful was as big as five metres, Russia’s RIA Novosti news agency reported on Wednesday.
Tsunami warnings were issued across the Pacific coast after an 8.8 magnitude earthquake jolted Russia’s far east during the early hours of Wednesday.
Breaking: Tsunami waves ‘now impacting Hawaii’
The tsunami waves have begun “impacting Hawaii”, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center. “Urgent action should be taken to protect lives and property,” it added.
The Hanalei gauge in Hawaii recorded a tsunami amplitude of 3ft relative to normal sea level, the warning centre said.
