1.2-meter waves observed after massive quakes hit Japan's western coast

Tokyo: Waves as high as 1.2 metres were observed after a series of strong quakes struck Japan's western coast on Monday afternoon, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA).

Earlier, the weather agency issued tsunami warnings for a broad swath of the country's western coast, including Ishikawa, Fukui, Niigata, Toyama, Yamagata, and other prefectures, following the earthquakes.

Strong quakes, with major ones measured at up to 7.6 magnitude, struck a wide area on the Sea of Japan coast in central Japan earlier in the day, the JMA said.

Public broadcaster NHK had warned that torrents of water could reach as high as 5 metres, and people were urged to flee to high land or the top of a nearby building as quickly as possible.

First glimpse of an immense wave sweeping into a #Japan city. A critical #tsunami warning is in effect – prioritize safety and follow evacuation procedures#earthquake pic.twitter.com/0mD9pWHtRj

— Surajit (@surajit_ghosh2) January 1, 2024

A tsunami with about 3-metre-high waves was expected to hit Niigata and other prefectures on the western coast of Japan. Smaller tsunami waves were already confirmed to have reached the coastline, according to NHK.

The weather agency said the latest major temblor occurred at 4:10 p.m. local time (0710 GMT) at a shallow depth, registering a maximum of 7 on the Japanese seismic intensity scale on the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture.

Footage from the local Shinkansen station in Ishikawa prefecture, extremely powerful shaking! #earthquake

A #tsunami warning has also been issued. #japan #earthquake pic.twitter.com/UTeKQ3VCgp

— JAMES - ONTHERIGHT (@Jim_OnTheRight) January 1, 2024

It also shook buildings in central Tokyo.

The temblor's epicentre was located in Ishikawa's Noto region, at Wajima, 30 km east-northeast, at 37.5 degrees north latitude and 137.2 degrees east longitude. (UNI)