WATCH: Japan hit by first tsunami waves after massive 7.6 magnitude earthquake

Moments after strong 7.4 magnitude earthquake hit north Japan on Monday, the first day on New Year 2024, the city of Wajima, Ishikawa Prefecture, observed tsunami of more than 1.2 meters at 4:20 pm local time (12:51 pm IST) on Monday. According to a report by NHK Japan, the city of Toyama, Toyama prefecture, also reported tsunami of 80 centimeters at 4:35 pm (1:05 pm IST).

Also, the city of Kashiwazaki, Niigata prefecture, observed tsunami of 40 centimeters at 4:36 pm (1:06 pm IST).

Soon after the massive quake jolted Japan, the country’s meteorological agency issued a tsunami warning along the coastal regions of Ishikawa, Niigata and Toyama prefectures after a series of strong quakes shook western areas. People, celebrating New Year, rushed out on streets after experience tremors.

Warning issued for people in Japan As per reports, people of Japan have been warned that torrents of water could reach as high as 5 metres (16.5 feet) and they have been urged to flee to high land or a top of a nearby building as quickly as possible. People, especially those living around the Japan Sea coast have been asked to evacuate immediately. Meanwhile, meteorological agency in South Korea said sea levels may rise on parts of the east coast after massive quake jolted Japan. One of the videos of Japan earthquake shared on social media showed “extremely powerful shaking” of trains at the local Shinkansen station in Ishikawa prefecture after the calamity.

Source: X/@greghill All high-speed trains were stopped in Ishikawa Prefecture following the powerful quakes, the local media reported. Train services affected NKH in another report mentioned railway officials saying Hokuriku Shinkansen service has been suspended and it is not known when service will resume. East Japan Railway also informed service on the Joetsu Shinkansen line is suspended between Echigo Yuzawa and Niigata. Japan has a history of earthquakes In March 2022, a 7.4-magnitude earthquake off the coast of Fukushima shook large areas of eastern Japan, killing three people. The capital Tokyo was devastated by a huge earthquake a century ago in 1923. In March 2011, a huge 9.0-magnitude undersea quake struck northeastern Japan, which triggered a tsunami that left around 18,500 people dead or missing, devastated towns and triggered nuclear meltdowns in Fukushima. With inputs from agencies