Massive ocean waves reached Japan’s northernmost island of Hokkaido following an 8.8 magnitude seismic event that occurred near Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula in the Far East.The shallow tremor caused structural damage and injuries in the distant Russian territory, while authorities ordered evacuations along Japan’s eastern coastline, an area previously devastated by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami that measured 9.0 magnitude.A tsunami alert has been declared for Japan’s Pacific coastline, stretching from Hokkaido to Wakayama, with potential waves reaching heights of up to 3 metres. Despite the elevated temperatures, authorities are urging residents to remain in evacuation zones until all warnings are withdrawn, Reuters reported. Substantial tsunami waves have been detected across extensive coastal regions, with Kuji Port in Iwate Prefecture recording a wave measuring 1.3 metres.TEPCO reported the evacuation of personnel from the damaged Fukushima nuclear facility, which experienced a radioactive incident following the 2011 tsunami.NHK footage showed numerous people sheltering under tents atop a building in Hokkaido, whilst fishing vessels departed harbours to avoid potential tsunami damage.Asahi TV reported a fatal incident involving a 58-year-old woman whose vehicle fell from a cliff during evacuation in Mie prefecture.According to Kyodo news agency, Nissan Motor (7201.T) halted operations at select Japanese facilities to ensure staff safety.Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi stated there were no reported injuries, damage, or nuclear plant irregularities.The Japan Lifesaving Association warned that tsunami waves between 1-3 metres can be lethal, capable of causing floods, damaging wooden structures, and creating hazards from large floating debris.
