Over 356,000 people ordered to evacuate in Japan amid tsunami threat

TOKYO - More than 356,000 people in Japan have been ordered to evacuate after a massive 8.8-magnitude earthquake off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula raised fears of a destructive tsunami, Japanese broadcaster NHK reported, according to Sputnik/RIA Novosti.

Earlier in the day, an earthquake struck off the coast of Kamchatka, becoming the strongest in the region since 1952.

The Tokyo Skytree (R) is pictured from across Tokyo Bay after much of coastal Japan went on tsunami alert following a 8.7 magnitude quake in the sea off eastern Russia, in Chiba City, Chiba prefecture. Photo by Philip Fong/AFP

The Sakhalin Region government said that a state of emergency had been declared in the Severo-Kurilsky District following the earthquake and tsunami.

Evacuation orders have been issued in at least six Japanese prefectures as a precaution against potential tsunamis.

Initially, a tsunami advisory was issued in Japan, followed by a warning for nearly the entire eastern Pacific coast of the country.

Waves of up to three meters (9.8 feet) were expected in many regions. As of now, tsunami waves measuring 30 to 50 centimeters (12-20 inches) have already been observed in some areas.

A crisis headquarters has been established under the Japanese prime minister’s office.

Meanwhile, no abnormalities at nuclear power plants have been reported following the earthquake, Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said during a press conference.

Additionally, train services on 41 rail routes in Japan have been suspended, and Sendai Airport’s runway remains closed, Hayashi confirmed. - BERNAMA-SPUTNIK/RIA NOVOSTI