One of the most powerful earthquakes in modern history has prompted evacuations in Japan, Hawaii and parts of the west coast of the United States.
The 8.8-magnitude earthquake was centered in eastern Russia, causing widespread flooding and injuring several people, the BBC reported.
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Letter to the Reader — Why We're Asking for Your Support ContributeTsunami waves of 3 to 4 meters high were also reported in Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula, while 30-centimeter waves hit a town in Hokkaido, northern Japan.
Hawaii Governor Josh Green has urged citizens to follow evacuation orders and remain calm, while US President Donald Trump has advised Americans to be vigilant against tsunami warnings.
And these warnings have also been issued at varying levels in parts of China, the Philippines, Indonesia, Guam, Peru and the Galapagos Islands near Ecuador.
Hawaii and parts of Japan lower tsunami alert level
Hawaii and parts of Japan have lowered their tsunami warning to advisory levels after one of the strongest earthquakes ever recorded struck far eastern Russia in the early hours of Wednesday, the AP reported.
As a result, the 8.8-magnitude earthquake triggered tsunami waves that reached as far as Japan, Hawaii, and across the Pacific Ocean.
So far, no major damage has been reported, but authorities have warned citizens to stay away from coastlines, while noting that the danger could last for more than a day.
The Japan Meteorological Agency has decided to lower the tsunami alert for the southern Pacific coast near Fukushima, while the initial warning remains in effect in the northern part.
The Chief of Staff of the Hawaii Department of Defense, Major General Stephen Logan, announced that the advisory level means the possibility of strong currents and dangerous waves, as well as flooding on beaches or in harbors.
Among other things, the evacuation order in this US state has been lifted and it has been determined that the situation is safe for residents to return to their respective areas. In addition, flights have also resumed at Honolulu International Airport. The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency has also announced that commercial ports will reopen.