Several huge whales were washed ashore in Tateyama City in Chiba as one of the biggest earthquakes in history caused global chaos. A major tsunami hit Hawaii and the Californian coast after an earthquake reached east of Petropavlovsk, Russia.
Waves reaching 30 centimeters hit Hokkaido by 10.40am, causing evacuation warnings. No damage was reported but clips of multiple stranded whales were shared online, causing panic about the impact to our marine life.
Tsunamis cause a sudden change in water levels and currents which confuse the animals, sometimes causing them to be stranded near the shoreline.
Taking to Truth Social, US president Donald Trump wrote: “Due to a massive earthquake that occurred in the Pacific Ocean, a Tsunami Warning is in effect for those living in Hawaii,” , “A Tsunami Watch is in effect for Alaska and the Pacific Coast of the United States. Japan is also in the way. Please visit tsunami.gov/ for the latest information. STAY STRONG AND STAY SAFE!”
The National Weather Service previously released a warning that read: “A series of powerful waves and strong currents may impact coasts around you.”
“You are in danger,” it continued. “Get away from coastal waters. Move to high ground or inland now. Keep away from the coast until local officials say it is safe to return.”
The California coastline, parts of Alaska and the Samalga Pass have also been put on the warning list.
Taking to X, the National Weather Service for Los Angeles wrote: “A TSUNAMI WATCH IS NOW IN EFFECT for coastal San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Los Angeles Counties. An earthquake 8.7 80 miles southeast of Petropavlovsk Kamchatka, Russia. Stay tuned for updates.”
Locals are sharing on social media what is happening in their neighborhoods, with many advising others to get to higher ground where possible.
