MOSCOW, January 1. /TASS/. The regional branch of Russia’s Emergencies Ministry has issued a tsunami warning for Sakhalin island.

"Tsunami waves may affect areas along the western coast of Sakhalin," the agency said in a statement.

A warning system has been activated in these areas and local residents are being evacuated to safe places.

"Response teams are ready to deal with the possible consequences of a tsunami," the ministry’s branch added.