Tsunami warnings downgraded in Pacific

Tsunami warnings for the American coastline, Japan, New Zealand, and other Pacific regions have been lowered after a powerful earthquake off the coast of Russia raised concerns around the world.

Despite the downgrade, officials say there is still a chance of tsunami waves.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre says the threat of tsunami waves remains possible.

The earthquake, which measured 8.7 on the Richter scale, took place on Wednesday and initially triggered alerts for many countries across the Pacific, Latin America, and Asia.

Tonga has cancelled its tsunami alert, with the government reporting that "the potential threat to all island groups has passed", adding that the threat level "has been deemed low".

Fijian officials say the tsunami watch advisory has been cancelled, with the government announcing the "all clear".

In Russia, where the earthquake hit hardest, authorities have also cancelled their tsunami warnings after evacuating a seaport town that was flooded.

While tsunami waves did impact some areas in Russia, Japan, and the United States, the situation appears to be improving.

Places like Japan and Hawaii have lifted or reduced their tsunami warnings.

While there is a warning about a possible tsunami in the Cook Islands, there is no immediate danger to the island nation, officials reported on Wednesday.Photo/PMN News

People living along the Pacific coast and in parts of Asia and Latin America were urged to be prepared, as the quake was one of the largest recorded.

In the Marquesas Islands in French Polynesia, waves were expected to reach heights between about 1.1 and 2.5 metres (3.6 and 8.2 feet).

Residents have been advised to relocate to higher ground or safer areas until the alerts are completely lifted.

The US Tsunami Warning Centre reported that Ecuador could see waves reaching up to three metres (9.8 feet), and Hawaii, Chile, Peru, Costa Rica, and some other Pacific islands might experience waves between one and two metres (3.3 to 9.8 feet).

In response, these countries have ordered residents to evacuate certain areas, including low-lying beaches.