A massive magnitude 8.8 earthquake hit off the coast of Russia’s Far Eastern Kamchatka Peninsula at approximately 11:25 AM local time on Wednesday.

In response, tsunami warnings and evacuation orders have been issued across multiple countries and regions, including Japan, Ecuador, Hawaii, and the west coast of North America.

Authorities are urging people in coastal and low-lying areas to stay alert, follow official instructions, and evacuate if ordered. Emergency services worldwide are monitoring the situation closely as wave activity begins to develop across the Pacific.

Further updates will follow as more information becomes available.