The US state of Hawaii and Japan have issued urgent tsunami warnings after a brutal 8.8 magnitude earthquake hit Russia on Wednesday. Official evacuation orders have been handed down to those on both the Pacific coast of Japan and in the tiny US state.

The first tsunami waves struck the northern coast of Japan's Hokkaido prefecture before 10.40 local time (02.40 BST). The waves were just under a foot in height, according to Japanese public broadcaster NHK. Waves just over a foot were seen in Tokachi, in Hokkaido.

Meanwhile, US authorities have issued a tsunami warning for the Pacific islands of Hawaii. It has warned the island could face "destructive" 3-meter high waves. A tsunami watch has also been issued for Alaska.

Hawaiian officials ordered an "immediate evacuation" of large parts the island Oahu, including the state capital Honolulu.

"Take Action! Destructive tsunami waves are expected," Honolulu's Department of Emergency Management said in alerts on social media.