LIVE: Tsunami hits the US and Japan as millions flee homes after 8.8-magnitude earthquake off Russia

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Tsunami waves are building along parts of the California coast in the early hours of the morning, the National Weather Service Eureka has warned.

Tidal swings of up to 2.5ft (0.7m) are within 15 minutes in San Francisco, the Bay Area, it says.

"This can create some seriously dangerous currents along beaches and harbours. It's just a good idea to stay away from the water today," the weather service warns. 

Northern California is now the only area in the US with a tsunami warning remaining, where waves reached three feet.

Advisories in multiple areas still in place (a less severe version of a warning).

The tsunami warning level has been downgraded to "advisory" in various areas, including Kanto and Wakayama.

However, it remains at the higher level of "warning" for parts of Hokkaido and Tohoku, according to Japan's Meteorological Agency

A risk of damage still remains, with officials warning that people in coastal areas should find safe places including high ground or evacuation buildings.

Waves reaching nearly five feet have been recorded in Japan the first tsunami waves struck the country.

A 4.2ft wave was recorded arriving in a port in Iwate.

The threat of a high tsunami will last for another day, Japan's Meteorological Agency warned.

Millions of residents were earlier told to find high ground and other safe places amid the looming threat. 

A  1.6ft (0.48m) wave hit Arena Cove where the tsunami first arrived in California, according to measurements from the National Tsunami Warning Center. 

In Monterey, a 1.4ft (0.42m) wave was recorded. 

Port San Luis in Los Angeles will experience a "rapid and damaging surge, going from low to high tide in just a few minutes", the Los Angeles weather service says.

People have been urged avoid the area.

Northern California is now the only area in the US with a tsunami warning remaining - with advisories in multiple areas still in place (a less severe version of a warning).

Residents in Chocó and Nariño on the east coast of Colombia have been told to evacuate beaches and coastal areas.

The country's National Unit for Disaster Risk Management advised locals to move from the coast to higher ground.

“Tsunami alert for Choco and Narino,” it posted on X.

“Preventive evacuation of beaches and low-lying coastal areas is recommended,” it added. 

The sperm whales are washed up on the shore in Tateyama City, Chiba Prefecture, Japan.

Several whales can be seen washed ashore on the shoreline, flapping their fins, The Yomiuri Shimbun reports.

People in Hawaii have been told they can return home after the  tsunami warning was downgraded.

There is still the potential for strong waves, minor flooding and strong currents.

However, a major tsunami is not expected to hit. 

People are still being urged to drive slow and be safe, while staying vigilant for flooding in some areas.

Parts of the South Pacific, including Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu have received a tsunami threat alert.

The US's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued the warning. 

The US embassy told its citizens in the three nations to “be prepared to move to higher ground immediately if you are in a coastal area and notice unusual sea activity or feel strong or prolonged shaking."

“Avoid coastal areas, beaches, and rivers until further notice.

“Ensure your emergency supplies are ready, including water, food, medications, and important documents,” it added.

In the below image, visitors with their bags in tow leave the Ala Way Harbor, Waikiki, Oahu, Hawaii.

Oahu residents seek refuge from the threat of tsunami in a Walmart parking lot in Kapolei, Oahu, Hawaii.

Honolulu resident Adam Jung loads water and other supplies into his vehicle.

Traffic tries to leave the the Ala Way Harbor, Waikiki.