CNN: Tsunami waves – A massive 8.8 magnitude earthquake that struck off Russia’s far eastern coast on Wednesday local time triggered tsunami waves that coursed across the Pacific. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, tsunami waves began reaching Hawaii’s coast in the early evening local time. One wave, reported in Kahului on the north-central shore of Maui island, was over 5 feet high.

Tsunami advisories and warnings urging millions to move away from coastal zones and seek higher ground were issued in Russia, Japan, the Philippines, Chile, Peru, Indonesia and Ecuador, as well as in Hawaii, Alaska and the US West Coast. Smaller waves arrived along the Washington, Oregon and California coastline early this morning; however, dangerous currents and additional surges are possible for hours after the initial waves. So far, minimal damage has been reported.