BREAKING: Powerful Tsunami Hits Russia, Japan As US, Others Issue Evacuation Orders In Vulnerable Areas

A powerful tsunami wave struck the northern Kuril Islands in Russia's Far East on Wednesday, following a magnitude 8.8 earthquake in the Pacific Ocean.

According to reports, the tsunami hit the coastal town of Severo-Kurilsk, prompting the evacuation of over 2500 residents to higher ground.

According to Sakhalin Region Governor Valery Limarenko, as quoted by RT, the first wave hit the shoreline shortly after the quake was registered near the Kamchatka Peninsula. 

"Residents remain safe on high ground until the tsunami threat is completely lifted," Limarenko said, adding that emergency services are working in high-alert mode to ensure public safety.

The Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations has deployed teams to assess the damage and provide relief. 

There were no immediate reports of casualties or major damage, but the Alaid plant fish processing plant in Severo-Kurilsk has been submerged, with all employees urgently evacuated from the facility.

Drone footage reveals tsunami flooding in Severo-Kurilsk, with waves sweeping through streets and damaging buildings. While several minor injuries were reported, no serious casualties have occurred.

The earthquake, which is one of the strongest recorded, triggered waves up to four meters across the Pacific, prompting evacuations from Hawaii to Japan. 

Tsunami warnings have been issued for multiple countries, including Russia, Japan, the US, and others. 

In Hawaii, waves reached up to 4 feet in some areas, with Governor Josh Green urging residents to stay away from coastal areas.

Reports noted that in Japan, the Tsunami waves hit eastern coast, with waves reaching up to 1.3 meters high in some areas. 

Over 1.9 million people across 21 prefectures have been urged to evacuate.

In Hawaii, the Waves reached up to 4 feet in some areas, with governor Josh Green warning of potential flooding and damage.

And in the US West Coast, the Tsunami warnings have been issued, with waves expected to hit California, Oregon, and Washington.

Other countries the Tsunami alerts have been issued include the Philippines, Indonesia, Taiwan, Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Mexico, and New Zealand.