Highest-level tsunami warning dropped but residents in coastal areas told not to return to homes Japan dropped its highest-level tsunami alert, issued following a series of major earthquakes on Monday, but told residents of coastal areas not to return to their homes as deadly waves could still come. The quakes, the largest of which had a magnitude of 7.6, started a fire and collapsed buildings on the west coast of Japan’s main island, Honshu. It was unclear how many people might have been killed or hurt, the Associated Press reported. The Japan Meteorological Agency reported more than a dozen quakes in the Japan Sea off the coast of Ishikawa and nearby prefectures shortly after 4pm. At least six homes were damaged by the quakes, with people trapped inside, government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi said. A fire broke out in Wajima city, Ishikawa prefecture, and electricity was out for more than 30,000 households, he said. The agency initially issued a major tsunami warning for Ishikawa and lower-level tsunami warnings or advisories for the rest of the western coast of the island of Honshu, as well as the northernmost of its main islands, Hokkaido. The warning was downgraded to a regular tsunami several hours later, meaning the waters could still reach up to 3 metres (10ft). Aftershocks could also hit the same area over the next few days, it said. A summary of our coverage from today A powerful earthquake has struck central Japan’s western coastline, triggering waves over a metre high and prompting tsunami alerts and warnings for people to evacuate. Japan’s meteorological agency initially reported that a 7 magnitude earthquake occurred at about 11pm, but later said this number was inaccurate and the quake was smaller, with an intensity of 3, according to public broadcaster NHK. An aftershock of magnitude 5 hit the Noto peninsula at 8.35pm, leading to alerts being issued to residents to beware of already weakened buildings and structures collapsing. The tsunami warning in Japan was later downgraded to a tsunami advisory. But people were warned they should remain alert for more possible earthquakes. One man died following a building collapse in Ishikawa prefecture, Reuters reported, citing Japan’s NTV. North Korea issued a tsunami warning for its eastern coast, Reuters reported citing Yonhap. South Korea issued alerts on rising sea levels, the Yonhap news agency reported. A powerful earthquake has struck central Japan’s western coastline, triggering waves over a metre high and prompting tsunami alerts and warnings for people to evacuate. The tsunami warning in Japan has been downgraded to a tsunami advisory The tsunami warning in Japan has been downgraded to a tsunami advisory. According to Japan’s Meteorological Agency, the advisory remains in place across the west of the country. Tsunami forecasts (slight sea level changes) remain in place in the south-west and the north-east of Japan. Summary of the day so far Japan is grappling with the aftermath of a 7.6-magnitude earthquake that hit the country’s west coast. Smaller earthquakes have continued. A tsunami warning remains in effect for several regions. Tsunami waves have already hit parts of the coast. Japanese authorities urged residents of impacted areas to immediately seek shelter in higher ground. Some locals are spending the night at schools and other public buildings. Injured people have arrived at local hospitals and there are reports of people trapped under collapsed buildings. There are widespread reports of damage to buildings and roads. Air traffic in the region has also been disrupted. It’s a tough night for people who had to leave their homes in Japan as a result of earthquakes and tsunami alerts. Officials say that residents should stay away from affected areas until they are told it’s safe. Tsunami warnings are still in place. And here’s the latest on earthquake activity, from the Japan Meteorological Agency. Here’s the latest tsunami estimates from the Japan Meteorological Agency. One dead following building collapse in Japan: report One man has died following a building collapse in Ishikawa prefecture, Reuters reported, citing Japan’s NTV. More earthquakes reported in Japan More earthquakes are reported in Japan. Japan’s meteorological agency initially reported a 7 magnitude earthquake occurred at about 11pm, but later said this number was inaccurate and the quake was smaller, with an intensity of 3, according to public broadcaster NHK. The agency’s website now reports a magnitude 4.2 earthquake at 11:19pm local time off the coast of Noto peninsula. Here are more images of damage in Japan following the earthquakes. Highest-level tsunami warning dropped but residents in coastal areas told not to return to homes Japan dropped its highest-level tsunami alert, issued following a series of major earthquakes on Monday, but told residents of coastal areas not to return to their homes as deadly waves could still come. The quakes, the largest of which had a magnitude of 7.6, started a fire and collapsed buildings on the west coast of Japan’s main island, Honshu. It was unclear how many people might have been killed or hurt, the Associated Press reported. The Japan Meteorological Agency reported more than a dozen quakes in the Japan Sea off the coast of Ishikawa and nearby prefectures shortly after 4pm. At least six homes were damaged by the quakes, with people trapped inside, government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi said. A fire broke out in Wajima city, Ishikawa prefecture, and electricity was out for more than 30,000 households, he said. The agency initially issued a major tsunami warning for Ishikawa and lower-level tsunami warnings or advisories for the rest of the western coast of the island of Honshu, as well as the northernmost of its main islands, Hokkaido. The warning was downgraded to a regular tsunami several hours later, meaning the waters could still reach up to 3 metres (10ft). Aftershocks could also hit the same area over the next few days, it said. Summary of the day so far A powerful magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck central Japan’s western coastline, prompting tsunami alerts and warnings for residents to evacuate. Tsunami waves hit parts of the Japanese coast. Tsunami warnings are still in effect for a number of Japanese prefectures. There are also tsunami alerts in South Korea, North Korea, and parts of Russia’s far east. The Japan Meteorological Agency has asked people in the affected areas to evacuate immediately to higher ground and get as far away as possible from the coast. There are reports of collapsed buildings, road damage, power cuts and injured people arriving in hospitals in Japan. There is a risk of further quakes over the coming days. Here is an updated map of the largest earthquake that hit Japan today and its impact. The Japan Meteorological Agency has cautioned that more quakes could follow in the coming days. Here are images of evacuees in Japan. People near affected coastal areas were told to evacuate immediately. Public broadcaster NHK notes that there are reports of collapsed buildings, trapped and injured people, and cracks in roads. Tsunami warnings remain in effect and local people are being urged to evacuate immediately.