Hawaii tsunami: No flights into state as residents evacuate their homes in bid for safety

All flights into Hawaii have been scrapped and locals are being told to evacuate after a tsunami wreaked havoc across the world today.

This morning, coastal parts of Russia and Japan were submerged after an 8.7-magnitude earthquake struck - with two million people across Japan issued urgent evacuation warnings. Warnings have also been issued for the east coast of the US and a major evacuation has been launched for Hawaii after the devastating earthquake - which is said to be the most powerful to strike the world since 2011.

In a joint statement, Hawaiian and Alaskan Airlines said after monitoring the tsunami warnings, a decision has been made to ground their operations to the 50th state.

For updates on the tsunami, follow our live blog

READ MORE: LIVE: Tsunami warning for US, Russia and Japan after strongest earthquake since 2011

The statement reads: "“We are monitoring a tsunami warning for the Hawaiian Islands and portions of the state of Alaska and assessing our flight operations. We are holding flight departures to the Islands on Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines.

“As a safety precaution, flights en route to Hawai‘i are returning to the mainland or diverting as needed. Guests with travel to, from or within the Hawaiian Islands should check the status of their flight before heading to the airport. We are monitoring airport conditions with government agencies and could see operational impacts. A waiver is in place allowing guests to adjust their travel plans. More information can be found on alaskaair.com.”

Hawaii Governor Josh Green said data from Midway Atoll, which is part of the way between Japan and Hawaii, measured tsunami waves from peak to trough of 6 feet (1.8 meters).

He said waves hitting Hawaii could be bigger or smaller and it was too early to tell how large they would be. A tsunami of that size would be akin to a three foot (90 centimeter) wave riding on top of surf, he said. Gov Green told a news conference that a wave that size could move cars and throw fences around.

"It can dislodge trees, that’s why you can’t just be out there. The impact is at great speed. Any any structure that gets loose and strikes the individual could take them out. And people can drown quite easily with the force of that kind of wave."

He said Black Hawk helicopters have been activated and high-water vehicles were ready to go in case authorities need to rescue people. He added: "But please do not put yourself in harm’s way."

The Honolulu-based Pacific Tsunami Warning Center explained how the quake could cause damage along the entirety of the Hawaiian coastline should it strike.

The warning called for "urgent action" to "protect the lives and property" of those who live there. The first wave was expected to strike at 7pm Tuesday (6am Wednesday UK time).

Hawaiian officials have set up evacuation shelters at schools and community centres across the densely populated island. Honolulu won’t operate bus trips scheduled to start after 6pm local time. Drivers still on routes after that and who are in inundation zones will head to higher ground.

"We want everyone to stay safe. Evacuate early so you don’t put yourself in a tough situation," said Honolulu Fire Department Chief Sheldon Hao.

The US National Weather Service has warned people against going to the coast to look for tsunami waves. The National Weather Service San Francisco Bay Area office posted on X: "This will NOT be a single wave. Do NOT try to go to the coast to take photos."

The agency warned people could put themselves and any rescue teams that may be out at risk. The Bay Area is under a tsunami advisory. Communities further north are under a warning.