Central Japan was shaken by a substantial earthquake earlier today. The quake, registering a preliminary magnitude of 7.6, prompted the issuance of a tsunami warning.

Residents along the affected coasts were advised to evacuate immediately.

The earthquake’s impact was followed by a tsunami approximately 1 meter in height along the Sea of Japan coastline.

Buildings collapse

A series of earthquakes above 4.0 magnitude struck Suzu around 4pm local time, causing buildings to collapse as seen in videos shared on social media and Japanese TV.

Japan’s public broadcaster NHK reports authorities are predicting a potential second wave after a seismic event. The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued tsunami warnings for the Ishikawa, Niigata, and Toyama coastal prefectures.

Other clips showed terrified shoppers thrown to the ground in department stores and flooding at a train station after water pipes burst. 

The meteorological agency reported the first big waves hitting Wajima port in Ishikawa prefecture at 4:21pm local time. More waves are expected in the coming minutes and hours as darkness falls on the region.

5 metre waves

Japan is currently preparing for upcoming waves that could reach heights of up to 5 meters (16.4ft) later today. Local broadcasters and the country’s meteorological agency have issued warnings after the recent earthquakes raised concerns of a potential tsunami. Waves measuring over 4ft have already been reported along the western shores.

Concerns extend to the region’s nuclear facilities. Hokuriku Electric Power confirmed it is conducting thorough checks for any irregularities at its nuclear plants. Similarly, a representative from Kansai Electric Power reassured that no abnormalities have been detected at their nuclear sites, but they remain vigilant in monitoring the situation.

This event echoes the tragic earthquake and tsunami that struck northeastern Japan on March 11, 2011. That disaster caused widespread devastation, including severe damage to towns and the infamous nuclear meltdowns in Fukushima.

The Japanese government has established an emergency center to gather and relay information on the earthquakes and tsunami to ensure the safety of residents, said Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in a press conference.