Japan tsunami washes whales ashore after massive 8.8-magnitude earthquake

Four whales have tragically been washed ashore in Japan following one of the largest earthquakes ever recorded. The colossal 8.8-magnitude quake struck near Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula early this morning.

This earthquake is the sixth largest in recorded history, with tsunami waves already hitting parts of Russia's Kuril Islands, Japan's northern island of Hokkaido and Hawaii.

A tsunami watch has also been issued for Alaska and the Pacific Coast of the US, while the Philippines is also potentially at risk. Keep updated on the latest news about the tsunami on our live blog.

Footage aired on Japanese TV shows four whales washing ashore in Tateyama City, in Chiba. Whales can be stranded during tsunamis due to the swift and dramatic changes in water levels and currents near the coast.

As waves approach the shore, water initially recedes from the coast at a rapid pace, which can leave whales stranded near the beach.

The first tsunami waves reached the Japanese city of Hokkaido at 10.40am local time (2.40am BST) today. Nearly two million people in the country have been urged to evacuate to safer ground this morning, with the majority of evacuees hailing from Hokkaido, Kanagawa and Wakayama prefectures.

Footage from Reuters and the Nippon News Network showed residents seeking refuge on rooftops. On Wednesday morning, tsunami sirens were heard in certain areas of the island.

A warning dispatched to mobile phones stated: "Damage due to tsunami waves is expected. Evacuate immediately from coastal regions and riverside areas to a safer place such as high ground or an evacuation building," the alert declared. "Tsunami waves are expected to hit repeatedly. Do not leave safe ground until the warning is lifted."

Traffic has ground to a standstill in Hawaii as locals attempt to flee to elevated areas. Images reveal lengthy queues forming at fuel stations close to central Honolulu.

Air travel to the tourist hotspot has been suspended as the tremor continues to cause chaos worldwide.

US President Donald Trump urged inhabitants on X to evacuate, posting: "Due to a massive earthquake that occurred in the Pacific Ocean, a Tsunami Warning is in effect for those living in Hawaii. A Tsunami Watch is in effect for Alaska and the Pacific Coast of the United States. Japan is also in the way. Please visit https://tsunami.gov for the latest information. STAY STRONG AND STAY SAFE!".

Parts of South America, icnluding Mexico, Chile and Ecuador, are also at risk according to multiple tsunami alert networks.

The tremor represents the most powerful on record since 2011, when a 9-9.1 magnitude quake claimed over 19,000 lives throughout Japan with tsunami surges reaching 40 metres in height.