Japan issues tsunami alert after earthquake of 7.6 magnitude strikes

The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued tsunami warnings in the coastal prefectures of Ishikawa, Niigata and Toyama. 

MAP: Areas in red where tsunami warning has been issued since 20.30 local time (11.30 GMT) today. Japan Meteorological Agency

A 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Ishikawa around 16:10 local time (07.10 GMT) today. The earthquake triggered a tsunami warning in the coastal prefectures of Ishikawa, Niigata and Toyama near the Sea of Japan.

While Ishikawa and Toyama fall in Japan’s central western region, Niigata lies further up north of Toyama.  

The agency said the epicentre was near Wajima Port in Ishikawa prefecture, where waves close to 1.2 meters or around 4 feet tall were reported around 16.21 local time (07.21 GMT).

Strong wind gusts of up to 26 knots have hit Wajima, which could impact port operations there. According to VesselFinder, several ships are avoiding the affected areas with diversions. Japanese authorities are yet to release a list of ports impacted by the incident. 

Meanwhile, the US-based National Weather Service's Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Hawaii has downgraded the tsunami threat, stating that the threat has largely passed now.

By Manjula Nair

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