Earthquake and tsunami: What to do if you're going on holiday to Japan, Hawaii or other affected areas
A tsunami has been triggered by a powerful earthquake off the coast of Russia.
It has already hit parts of Japan's northern island of Hokkaido.
Other areas popular with Aussies are also under tsunami warnings.
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Hokkaido, Japan, Otaru - Hokkaido, Aerial View Getty
Alerts have been issued for Hawaii, Alaska and the US and Canadian west coasts as well as many Pacific islands such as Fiji.
Travellers in places such as LA have also received phone alerts telling them to say away from beaches and the coast.
LIVE UPDATES: Widespread tsunami warnings after huge quake off Russian coast
Australians heading on holiday are being warned to stay alert as the situation unfolds.
Here's what you need to know.
Current travel warnings for Japan, Hawaii
Travel warnings have been issued across the Pacific including for popular holiday spots by Smartraveller.
This includes Japan and Hawaii as well as islands such as New Caledonia Samoa, Fiji, Cook Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu.
New Zealand is also affected.
The Cook Islands in the Pacific is under warnings for a tsunami. Getty
"There's a Pacific wide tsunami warning in place following an M8.6 earthquake 60kms offshore from the Kamchatka peninsula, Russia," Smartraveller says.
"The warnings extend to some coastal areas of all Pacific islands. If you're in the affected area, move to higher ground immediately.
"If there's an official evacuation warning, follow the advice of local authorities."
There are no warnings not to travel.
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Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head Mountain in Honolulu, Oahu Island, Hawaii Getty Images/iStockphoto
What to do if you're currently in Japan, Hawaii
Follow local advice. This could include checking local media and looking out for emergency alerts.
Smartraveller has general advice for earthquakes and tsunamis.
"A tsunami may occur in coastal areas or areas bordering large lakes. Tsunamis can happen with little warning," it says.
"If you're staying near the coast in an earthquake area, know the warning signs of a tsunami," it says.
"You may only have minutes to get to safety. There may not be time for an official warning."
A sudden rise or fall in sea level and loud or unusual noises from the sea are the main signs.
Can I get a refund for a tsunami or earthquakes
Earthquakes are classed as natural disasters.
Choice says most policies will cover travel and holidays covered by this, but you'll need to read the fine print.
Basic policies may not cover you. You'll also need to have bought the policy before it happened.
You could also be covered for cancellation and medical costs if you are hurt as part of the disaster, but again it depends on your policy.
If you need to claim, contact your insurance company and keep things like receipts.
What to do if I have booked travel for Japan / Hawaii in the next few days
There are no warnings yet which are telling Aussies not to travel related to the earthquake or tsunami warning. Monitor Smartraveller for updates.
Cruise ships in Hawaii
Cruise ships currently in Hawaii have set sail early - leaving some passengers behind.
Amid the tsunami warnings for the islands, Norwegian Cruise Line's Pride of America and other cruise ships have left port for deeper water, Cruise Hive reports.
Follow live updates on Nine.com.au here.
