Strong earthquake off Russia's east coast – tsunami warning in the Pacific

A severe earthquake measuring 8.8 on the Richter scale struck off the Russian peninsula of Kamchatka last night.

It is the strongest earthquake since Fukushima in 2011. Tsunami warnings have been issued around the Pacific.

The first tsunami waves, up to 9 feet high, reached the coasts of Kamchatka and the Japanese Kuril Islands yesterday. Tsunami warnings were issued for many other regions from Hawaii to Alaska and the West Coast following the earthquake.

Tsunami waves reached Hawaii overnight, with the highest being 5.7 feet on Maui. Authorities will be examining the beaches later today. Hawaii and the West Coast remain under Tsunami Advisories for the time being.

According to initial reports, there were no injuries, which is likely due to the remote peninsula's low population density in the Pacific. Additionally, coastal residents in Japan were advised to seek safety.

The tremors were the sixth strongest since records began. Further strong aftershocks are expected during the course of the day.