Hawaii braces for 'wall of water' after sixth biggest earthquake ever recorded hits Russia

The biggest earthquake to strike since 2011 has hit Russia, resulting in tsunami warnings issued for multiple Pacific regions.

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Almost two million people are currently under evacuation advisories across 2020 municipalities along the Pacific coast of Japan, while Hawaii is bracing for impact as a "wall of water" approaches. The director of the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, Chip McCreery, said it could be "several hours" before the warning level in Hawaii is reduced. Reports indicate the biggest wave recorded so far is 4ft tall, and waves are arriving every 12 minutes. This figure was measured by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center at Haleiwa, Oahu.

Hawaii Governor Josh Green has urged people to evacuate all coastal zones as the state braces for a "forceful wall of water that will move across the shoreline into the community." Green also provided an update shortly after the expected arrival time of 7:10 pm local time for the first wave, "So far we have not seen a wave of consequence," but they have seen significant water recede.

The National Weather Service said in an alert that the danger can continue for many hours after the initial wave as subsequent waves arrive. Adding, "tsunami heights cannot be predicted, and the first wave may not be the largest." The governor added there is a chance the "forceful wall of water could "knock down utility poles and leave debris strewn in its wake."

For the latest information on the tsunami warning, visit tsunami.gov, or follow the National Weather Service on X.