Japan and the United States (US) have issued tsunami warnings following a powerful 8.7 magnitude earthquake that shook the Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia on Wednesday.
The Japan Meteorological Agency said a 3-meter tsunami wave was expected to hit the northern and eastern coasts of Japan as far as Wakayama, south of Osaka at around 1:00 am GMT (9:00 am Malaysian time).
The agency also warned that the tsunami could hit repeatedly and advised people to stay away from the sea and beaches until the warning is lifted.
Footage by broadcaster NHK showed dozens of Hokkaido residents taking shelter on their roofs and fishing boats seen leaving the port to avoid the huge waves.
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said authorities were assessing the current situation and assured that saving lives would be the top priority in any relief efforts.
A tsunami warning is also expected for the US west coast between 2.40pm and 4.05pm (Malaysian time) involving Port Angeles, Astoria, Gold Beach, Malibu, San Francisco, Eureka and San Diego.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre based in Honolulu also issued a tsunami warning for Alaska, Hawaii and Guam.
