Highest-level tsunami warning dropped but residents in coastal areas told not to return to homes
Japan dropped its highest-level tsunami alert, issued following a series of major earthquakes on Monday, but told residents of coastal areas not to return to their homes as deadly waves could still come.
The quakes, the largest of which had a magnitude of 7.6, started a fire and collapsed buildings on the west coast of Japan’s main island, Honshu. It was unclear how many people might have been killed or hurt, the Associated Press reported.
The Japan Meteorological Agency reported more than a dozen quakes in the Japan Sea off the coast of Ishikawa and nearby prefectures shortly after 4pm.
At least six homes were damaged by the quakes, with people trapped inside, government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi said. A fire broke out in Wajima city, Ishikawa prefecture, and electricity was out for more than 30,000 households, he said.
The agency initially issued a major tsunami warning for Ishikawa and lower-level tsunami warnings or advisories for the rest of the western coast of the island of Honshu, as well as the northernmost of its main islands, Hokkaido.
The warning was downgraded to a regular tsunami several hours later, meaning the waters could still reach up to 3 metres (10ft). Aftershocks could also hit the same area over the next few days, it said.
Key events
It’s a tough night for people who had to leave their homes in Japan as a result of earthquakes and tsunami alerts.
Officials say that residents should stay away from affected areas until they are told it’s safe.
Tsunami warnings are still in place.
And here’s the latest on earthquake activity, from the Japan Meteorological Agency.
Here’s the latest tsunami estimates from the Japan Meteorological Agency.
One dead following building collapse in Japan: report
One man has died following a building collapse in Ishikawa prefecture, Reuters reported, citing Japan’s NTV.
More earthquakes reported in Japan
More earthquakes are reported in Japan.
Japan’s meteorological agency initially reported a 7 magnitude earthquake occurred at about 11pm, but later said this number was inaccurate and the quake was smaller, with an intensity of 3, according to public broadcaster NHK.
The agency’s website now reports a magnitude 4.2 earthquake at 11:19pm local time off the coast of Noto peninsula.
Here are more images of damage in Japan following the earthquakes.
Highest-level tsunami warning dropped but residents in coastal areas told not to return to homes
Japan dropped its highest-level tsunami alert, issued following a series of major earthquakes on Monday, but told residents of coastal areas not to return to their homes as deadly waves could still come.
The quakes, the largest of which had a magnitude of 7.6, started a fire and collapsed buildings on the west coast of Japan’s main island, Honshu. It was unclear how many people might have been killed or hurt, the Associated Press reported.
The Japan Meteorological Agency reported more than a dozen quakes in the Japan Sea off the coast of Ishikawa and nearby prefectures shortly after 4pm.
At least six homes were damaged by the quakes, with people trapped inside, government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi said. A fire broke out in Wajima city, Ishikawa prefecture, and electricity was out for more than 30,000 households, he said.
The agency initially issued a major tsunami warning for Ishikawa and lower-level tsunami warnings or advisories for the rest of the western coast of the island of Honshu, as well as the northernmost of its main islands, Hokkaido.
The warning was downgraded to a regular tsunami several hours later, meaning the waters could still reach up to 3 metres (10ft). Aftershocks could also hit the same area over the next few days, it said.
Summary of the day so far
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A powerful magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck central Japan’s western coastline, prompting tsunami alerts and warnings for residents to evacuate.
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Tsunami waves hit parts of the Japanese coast.
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Tsunami warnings are still in effect for a number of Japanese prefectures.
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There are also tsunami alerts in South Korea, North Korea, and parts of Russia’s far east.
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The Japan Meteorological Agency has asked people in the affected areas to evacuate immediately to higher ground and get as far away as possible from the coast.
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There are reports of collapsed buildings, road damage, power cuts and injured people arriving in hospitals in Japan.
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There is a risk of further quakes over the coming days.
Here is an updated map of the largest earthquake that hit Japan today and its impact.
The Japan Meteorological Agency has cautioned that more quakes could follow in the coming days.
Here are images of evacuees in Japan.
People near affected coastal areas were told to evacuate immediately.
Public broadcaster NHK notes that there are reports of collapsed buildings, trapped and injured people, and cracks in roads.
Tsunami warnings remain in effect and local people are being urged to evacuate immediately.
Emily Foster is a globe-trotting journalist based in the UK. Her articles offer readers a global perspective on international events, exploring complex geopolitical issues and providing a nuanced view of the world’s most pressing challenges.
