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HEARTBREAKING footage shows giant whales washed up on a beach in Japan after a monster Russian earthquake sparked tsunami warnings.
An earthquake measuring 8.8 magnitude struck near Russia’s far eastern Kamchatka Peninsula on Wednesday, according to the US Geological Survey. The impact led to waves reaching as far as Japan and Hawaii.
The quake struck about 84 miles off the coast at around 7.24pm EST (12:30am BST) at a shallow depth of 19.3km (12 miles).
It is the 6th largest ever recorded and the largest since the 2011 shake which led to a tsunami that caused the Fukushima nuclear disaster.
A mere few hours after the terrifying earthquake hit, four whales washed up along the coast of Japan.
Japanese TV aired videos of the beached whales in Tateyama, Chiba prefecture.
Heartbreaking footage shows the gargantuan creatures laying within a few feet of each other on the beach.
Waves are captured lashing around the creatures as the Russian quake continues to wreak chaos.
Fortunately, a major tsunami did not occur, and there is speculation on whether stranded whales are linked to the earthquake, as previous reports suggest a recent typhoon might be a contributing factor.
Meanwhile five beluga whales washed ashore in Russia’s region of Kamchatka after water receded due to the tsunami.
Residents were seen throwing water over the whales to try and save them.
A 4m (13ft) high wave was recorded on the southern tip of Kamchatka with waves inundating low lying areas and thousands evacuating.
Hawaii is bracing for the possibility of 3m (10ft) surges that could strike across the northern islands in the chain.
Waves 1.2m (4ft) have already hit Hawaii with video caught by locals showing the water receding moments before.
Locals in low lying and coastal areas are now heading for the hills with warning sirens blasting out across Honolulu.
Some 1.9m people in Japan have been ordered to evacuate with small waves already hitting the country.
It’s a nightmare scenario for the country that suffered a nuclear disaster at Fukushima in 2011 caused by a tsunami.
Tsunami warnings have been issued for as far away as Indonesia, New Zealand and Peru.
Officials in California’s Monterey County have told those living in boats to seek shelter with waves 5ft high possible in the north of the state.
In response to the potential threat, President Donald Trump tweeted: “Following a significant earthquake in the Pacific Ocean, a Tsunami Warning is issued for Hawaii residents.
“A Tsunami Watch is in effect for Alaska and the Pacific Coast of the United States. Japan is also at risk. For the latest updates, please visit tsunami.gov. STAY STRONG AND STAY SAFE!”
What is a tsunami?
TSUNAMIS are waves triggered by earthquakes, underwater volcanic eruptions and submarine landslides.
When an underwater earthquake occurs, the seabed shifts, causing water displacement. This movement generates energy that creates waves.
Many people think of tsunamis as one wave – but they are typically multiple waves that hit the shore like a fast-rising tide.
Many tsunamis are small and don’t cause damage, but others can cause massive destruction.
In 2004, a 9.1 magnitude earthquake near Indonesia resulted in waves that devastated remote villages, ports, and tourist destinations throughout the Indian Ocean in Southeast and South Asia.
