[ad_1] An urgent tsunami warning has been issued for much of Japan’s western coastline, with waves up to five metres high expected after a colossal
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An urgent tsunami warning has been issued for much of Japan’s western coastline, with waves up to five metres high expected after a colossal 7.5-magnitutde earthquake struck the country’s central region.
A series of 20 earthquakes, each with a magnitude of 4 or stronger, struck the coast of the Ishikawa and the Niigata prefectures between 4.06pm and 5.29pm on Monday, local time (between 6.06pm and 5.29pm AEST).
The strongest of the quakes is now estimated to have been a 7.5-magnitude event.
The first tsunami waves, already measuring more than a metre high, have already begun lashing the coast of central Japan, with the country’s meteorological agency reporting that many more are expected in the coming hours.
Blackouts and burst water mains are affecting towns in the area, while major roads are being closed due to cracks and other damage.
Tsunami advisories have been issued for as far north as the island of Hokkaido and the southern island of Kyushu.
Japanese public broadcaster NHK TV has warned that torrents of water could reach as high as five metres, with the channel urging people to flee to high land or to the top of nearby buildings.
“We realise your home, your belongings are all precious to you, but your lives are important above everything else,” a presenter told viewers.
“Run to the highest ground possible.”
The network also warned that the tsunami waves could keep returning.
More to come.
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