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

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

The first tsunami waves, up to 3 metres high, reached the coasts of Kamchatka and the Japanese Kuril Islands in the morning. Tsunami warnings were issued for many other regions from Hawaii to Alaska and the US west coast following the earthquake.

According to initial reports, there were no injuries, which is probably due to the low population density of the remote peninsula in the Pacific. In addition, coastal residents in Japan were urged to seek safety.

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