Australia added to tsunami advisory list after 8.8 magnitude earthquake strikes Russian coast

Tsunami warnings have been issued across the North Pacific after a mammoth magnitude 8.8 earthquake struck the east coast of Russia.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre has added Australia to its advisory after a magnitude 8.8 earthquake struck off the coast of eastern Russia.

The earthquake hit east-southeast of Kamchatka in Russia’s east about 9.24pm AEST, triggering tsunami warnings across the globe.

The warnings have extended to Japan, Hawaii, parts of the west coast of North and South America, Alaska, parts of South East Asia, Guam and all Pacific Islands.

The centre has also issued a warning to Australia, adding that waves reaching 0.3 to 1m are possible along the coast.

The Bureau of Meteorology said there was no threat of a tsunami hitting Australia. Picture: BOM

A Bureau of Meteorology spokesman said there was no tsunami threat to the country.

“The Joint Australian Tsunami Warning Centre have assessed the event in the Pacific and there is no threat current to the Australian mainland and islands,” they told NewsWire.

“The JATWC will continue to monitor and assess the situation as it evolves.”

However, Australia has been added to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre advisory. Picture: Supplied

New Zealand has issued warnings to residents living in coastal areas, advising them to steer clear of beaches and the shore.

The National Emergency Management Agency said there was no reason to evacuate unless ordered to do so by authorities.

Affected areas include the West Coast of the North Island from Cape Reinga to Raglan, including the West Coast of Auckland and Manukau Harbour, and from Hawera to Whanganui.

Other areas affected by the threat include the east and south coasts of the North Island from Cape Reinga to Makara including Whangarei, Great Barrier Island, the east coast of Auckland, Waiheke Island, Waitemata Harbour, Tauranga, Whakatane, Opotiki, Gisborne, Napier, Lake Ferry, the Wellington south coast and Wellington Harbour.

Originally published as Australia added to tsunami advisory list after 8.8 magnitude earthquake strikes Russian coast