A tsunami watch has been issued for all low-lying coastal areas of Fiji following a major undersea earthquake near Russia this morning. The Mineral Resources Department’s Seismology Section released Tsunami Watch Message 1 at 1:24pm today, confirming that the advisory applies only to low-lying coastal regions. “This statement is issued for a tsunami watch only and currently applies to all coastal low lying areas of Fiji,” the Seismology Section stated. The department urged Fijians to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures. “We advise the public and particularly all residents on low lying coastal areas to take necessary precaution and be on standby and alert for the next available updates.” According to the advisory, “all low-lying coastal areas are to experience strong and unusual currents and unpredictable surges at the shore.” Residents have also been encouraged to stay informed via local media. “We also advise the public to stay tuned to local media channel for further updates.” The department said it will continue to monitor the situation until the threat has passed. “The Seismology Section of MRD will continue to closely monitor the situation during this time until the threat is over.” The tsunami watch follows a magnitude 8.7 earthquake that struck at 11:24:50am Fiji time. It occurred 104km ESE from Kamchatka Krai, Russia, at a depth of 74km. The location was recorded at Latitude: 51.64°N, Longitude: 160.48°E. A tsunami watch period remains in effect for the Fiji group. The public is urged to remain calm, stay away from shorelines, and await further official updates.