Japan tsunami: Hours after an 8.8 magnitude earthquake shook the Eastern Coast of Russia, at least four whales have washed up along the Japanese coastline. Visuals surface from local media as they alert the residents to evacuate to higher regions after the earthquake triggered a tsunami warning.

Four whales were seen after the earthquake as the biggest mammals were lying around, as per BNO news. Waves were crashing against their bodies as they laid their helpless.

Japan tsunami alert

The unsettling event was triggered by the earthquake whose aftershocks were felt in Guatemala. Initial tsunami waves measuring about 30 centimetres reached Hokkaido by 10:40 am local time, prompting evacuation warnings.

While no immediate damage has been reported, officials are on high-alert to avoid any disasters. The stranded whales, not only an aftermath of the disaster, is also a huge indicator of detrimental climate change. Raising questions about the ecological impact on the marine life disturbance.

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) confirmed that initial tsunami waves reached northern Japan after a major earthquake. Although the first waves were small, experts warned that later surges could be stronger. Authorities issued evacuation orders for coastal and riverside areas, urging residents to seek higher ground.

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In 2011, a 9.1 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of northeastern Japan. It triggered a towering tsunami that smashed into the Fukushima nuclear plant which knocked out power and cooling systems which led to a meltdown in three reactors. More than 18,000 people were killed in the quake and tsunami, some of whom have never been recovered.

Whales wash ashore: Is this normal?

Whales and large marine animals tend to wash upon the shore due to the pre-tsunami activity in the ocean. Waves reach shallow coastlines and suddenly recede, indicating a violent surge. These abrupt changes in the current triggers the whales to move, sometimes, washing them to the shore.