One of the strongest earthquakes ever recorded struck Russia’s Far East early Wednesday, sending tsunami waves into Japan and Hawaii and across the Pacific.

A significant earthquake, initially reported at a magnitude of 6.7, struck Russia's Kuril Islands. The magnitude was later updated to 7 by the U.S. Geological Survey and the Pacific Tsunami Warning System.

The Russian govt said three areas near Kamchatka Peninsula are at risk of tsunami. While wave heights are expected to be low, it said it is unsafe to remain near the shore.