Live Updates on Japan Earthquake and Tsunami: Urgent Calls for Residents to Seek Higher Grounds

Japan earthquake live news: A tsunami warning is shown on TV in Yokohama, near Tokyo Monday, Jan. 1, 2024. Japan issued tsunami alerts Monday after a series of strong quakes in the Sea of Japan.(AP) NHK has reported that waves over 1 meter in height have hit Wajima City in Ishikawa Prefecture following seismic activity. The Japan Meteorological Agency has identified these disturbances in Ishikawa and surrounding regions, with a particular site indicating a preliminary magnitude of 7.4. NHK TV has issued warnings of potential water surges escalating to 5 meters (approximately 16.5 feet) and has advised immediate evacuation to elevated areas or the top floors of nearby buildings. As of now, specific information on damages or any casualties remains unavailable. Japan’s collective memory remains vividly aware of the catastrophic 9.0-magnitude earthquake in March 2011, off the northeastern coast, which triggered a tsunami responsible for an estimated 18,500 deaths. Earlier this year, in March 2022, a 7.4-magnitude quake near Fukushima impacted extensive parts of eastern Japan, leading to three fatalities. Tokyo also holds historical wounds from a major earthquake dating back to 1923. Source -HT