Honolulu: Tsunami waves began hitting parts of Hawaii following a powerful 8.8 magnitude earthquake near Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, prompting alerts across several US coastal states.

Buoy data confirmed the first wave activity near Nawiliwili, with a sudden water recession observed at Hanalei Bay on Kauai. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, with the National Weather Service (NWS) and local agencies warning of hazardous conditions in Hawaii, Alaska, and California.

Hawaii Governor Josh Green has called for continued evacuations across affected coastal areas, emphasising that larger waves and potential flooding could continue for several hours, even though no significant damage has been reported so far.

Governor Green revealed that tsunami sensors at Midway Atoll, located between Japan and Hawaii, recorded waves measuring up to 6 feet (1.8 meters).

A wave of that size has the power to move vehicles, topple fences, and even uproot trees, Green added.

Residents and tourists have been advised to stay away from beaches, harbours, and low-lying coastal areas until the all-clear is given.

Emergency teams remain on high alert, and authorities are urging the public to follow official updates as the situation continues to unfold.