Swathe of travel warnings for Aussies in multiple countries after huge Russia earthquake, tsunami warning

A swathe of urgent warnings have been issued for Aussie travellers with fears multiple countries across the Pacific could be hit by a tsunami following an 8.6 magnitude earthquake.

Smartraveller is advising tourists in coastal areas to “move to higher ground immediately” after the quake hit — triggering a tsunami warning at around 9.30am AEST — about 60km offshore from the southern tip of the Kamchatka peninsula in Russia.

Authorities say waves up to 3m high are possible in some areas.

Countries included in the current Pacific-wide tsunami warning areas are Japan, the United States, Canada, Guam, Marshall Islands French Polynesia, Philippines and near neighbours Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, Tonga, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Cook Islands, Fiji, Samoa, New Caledonia, Micronesia and Palau.

“If there’s an official evacuation warning, follow the advice of local authorities. Monitor media for updates,” the Smartraveller advice reads.

The Joint Australian Tsunami Warning Centre says there is no tsunami threat to Australia.

The earthquake was the sixth strongest ever recorded.

In Japan an evacuation order has been issued for 1.9 million people across 21 prefectures as tsunami waves measuring 30-50cms hit the coast.

In Hokkaido people have been seen taking shelter on a roof as tsunami sirens blare.

Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said there were no injuries or damage reported so far, and no irregularities at any nuclear plants.

In Hawaii evacuations are underway and commercial flights at Hilo Airport have been suspended. Hotel guests are being told to move out of lower floors, according to CNN.

The first tsunami waves are forecast to reach Hawaii just after 7.15pm local time (3.15pm AEST).

For more information go to Smartraveller.