Live Updates on Japan Earthquake: Tsunami Warning Downgraded, Coastal Residents Advised Against Returning Home
apan Rescinds Highest-Level Tsunami Alert Following Major Earthquakes
Japan has canceled its highest-level tsunami alert, which was declared in the aftermath of a series of significant earthquakes on Monday. However, residents residing in coastal areas are being cautioned against returning to their homes due to the lingering threat of deadly waves.
The earthquakes, the most powerful registering a magnitude of 7.6, ignited fires and led to building collapses along the west coast of Japan's primary island, Honshu. The exact toll of casualties remains uncertain, with the Associated Press reporting uncertainties about the number of people killed or injured.
The Japan Meteorological Agency documented over a dozen earthquakes in the Japan Sea off the coast of Ishikawa and nearby prefectures shortly after 4 pm local time.
Yoshimasa Hayashi, a government spokesman, revealed that at least six homes were damaged during the earthquakes, with individuals trapped inside. Additionally, a fire erupted in Wajima city, Ishikawa prefecture, leading to power outages for over 30,000 households.
Initially, the agency issued a major tsunami warning for Ishikawa and lower-level tsunami warnings or advisories for the rest of the western coast of Honshu, as well as the northernmost main island, Hokkaido.
Several hours later, the warning was downgraded to a standard tsunami alert, indicating that waves could still reach heights of up to 3 meters (10 feet). The agency also warned of potential aftershocks in the same area over the next few days.
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