Whales wash up on Japan beach after enormous 8.8-magnitude earthquake triggers tsunami

The 8.7-magnitude earthquake struck near Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula in the early hours of this morning and tsunami waves have already struck parts of Japan and Hawaii

Simon Green Head of Trendswatch

11:42, 30 Jul 2025

Whales have washed ashore in Japan after a huge earthquake hit(Image: X)

Four whales were found beached in Japan following one of the most powerful earthquakes ever recorded. The 8.8-magnitude earthquake struck near Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula in the early hours.

It is the sixth largest in recorded history, and tsunami waves have already hit parts of Russia's Kuril Islands, Japan's northern island of Hokkaido and Hawaii.

A tsunami watch has been issued for Alaska and the US Pacific Coast, while the Philippines is also potentially at risk. Video footage from Japan reveals four whales stranded ashore in Tateyama City, Chiba.

The incident was aired live on Japanese television, coinciding with the first tsunami waves reaching Hokkaido city at 10.40am local time (2.40am BST). Whales can beach during tsunamis due to sudden and extreme changes in water levels and coastal currents.

As waves approach the shore, water rapidly recedes from the coast, potentially stranding whales near the beach.

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Tsunami warnings are in place across Japan

Nearly two million individuals in Japan have been urged to evacuate to safer locations this morning, with the majority hailing from Hokkaido, Kanagawa and Wakayama prefectures.

When the initial waves hit Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan, video clips from Reuters and the Nippon News Network showed residents seeking refuge on rooftops. Tsunami sirens also blared in certain regions of the island.

A chilling warning pinged on mobiles read: "Damage due to tsunami waves is expected. Evacuate immediately from coastal regions and riverside areas to a safer place such as high ground or an evacuation building," the warning read. "Tsunami waves are expected to hit repeatedly. Do not leave safe ground until the warning is lifted."

Meanwhile, Hawaii's streets are at a standstill as locals scramble to reach higher ground. Snaps show lengthy queues at petrol stations near downtown Honolulu. Flights into the popular holiday hotspot have now been grounded as the earthquake continues to cause chaos globally.

[Police evacuating a beachgoer in Japan]

Police evacuating a beachgoer in Japan after the earthquake

US President Donald Trump urged residents on X to evacuate, writing: "Due to a massive earthquake that occurred in the Pacific Ocean, a Tsunami Warning is in effect for those living in Hawaii.

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"A Tsunami Watch is in effect for Alaska and the Pacific Coast of the United States. Japan is also in the way. Please visit https://tsunami.gov for the latest information. STAY STRONG AND STAY SAFE!".

Parts of South America, including Mexico, Chile and Ecuador, are also on high alert according to various tsunami warning systems.

The earthquake is the most powerful since 2011, when a 9-9.1 magnitude quake claimed over 19,000 lives across Japan with tsunami waves reaching staggering heights of 40 metres.

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