Tsunami threat after 7.6 magnitude earthquake in Japan

A tsunami or tidal wave has started in Japan due to a huge earthquake. Tsunami waves have already hit Toama City, the main city of Toama District in the central main island of Honshu.

 Tsunami threat after 7.6 magnitude earthquake in Japan

A tsunami threat has been raised in the country after a magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck central Japan. A tsunami warning of a 5m high wave has been issued in the Noto area along the Ishikawa coast.

Authorities also issued tsunami warnings for neighboring Niigata and Toyama prefectures, where they said waves could reach 3 meters. The country's weather department has also instructed people living in low-lying coastal areas to move to safer and higher ground.

The earthquake struck at 6:06 pm local time (7:06 am GMT) on Monday (January 1). The epicenter was about 600 kilometers north of Tokyo, off the coast of Noto in Ishikawa Prefecture. The magnitude of the earthquake is 7.6 on the Richter scale.

 Tsunami threat after 7.6 magnitude earthquake in Japan

The BBC reported damage in Ishikawa, Niigata, and Toyama prefectures after the earthquake. Several buildings were damaged along the coast of Noto. Also, subway trains have been suspended due to the earthquake.

The Japanese government has urged residents to evacuate the coast. Authorities say residents should seek shelter on higher ground before tsunami waves hit the coast.

Incidentally, Japan is an earthquake-prone country. The country has been hit by earthquakes and tsunamis many times. The 2011 earthquake and tsunami caused extensive damage to northern Japan.

 Tsunami threat after 7.6 magnitude earthquake in Japan

Japanese government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi warned residents to be prepared for more earthquakes.

Kansai Electric, the country's largest nuclear power operator, said nuclear plants had "no abnormalities" in the affected area.