Japan is on high alert as a major tsunami warning has been issued after a powerful 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck the central region on Monday, New Year’s day, creating concerns for coastal areas.
Residents in the coastal Noto area in Ishikawa prefecture have been urgently advised to “evacuate immediately to higher ground,” according to national broadcaster NHK.
The broadcaster reported that waves as high as 5 meters have already reached Noto.
Tsunami warnings have been extended to the neighboring Niigata and Toyama prefectures, cautioning that waves in those areas could reach up to 3 meters.
Despite the winter weather, public television has displayed “EVACUATE” prominently, urging residents to move to higher ground.
Videos captured by residents from their homes and inside subway stations depict the intense shaking caused by the earthquake.
The country’s largest nuclear power operator, Kansai Electric, has reassured that there is “no abnormality” in the nuclear plants within the affected area.
South Korea’s meteorological agency has also issued a warning, indicating that tsunami waves measuring up to 0.3 meters could impact the eastern coast of the country between 18:29 and 19:17 local time (09:29 to 10:17 GMT).
The earthquake and subsequent tsunami warning have heightened concerns across the region, with authorities closely monitoring the situation and residents taking immediate precautions to ensure their safety.
