Powerful Tsunami Hits Ishikawa, Toyama, Niigata Prefectures

Japan – The Wajima City, Ishikawa Prefecture, was hit by a tsunami over 1.2 meters high on Monday, at 4:21 p.m. local time. This incident happened following a major earthquake that struck the region. 

Toyama City, Toyama Prefecture, also reported an 80-centimeter tsunami at 4:35 p.m. local time. Kashiwazaki City, Niigata Prefecture, also experienced a 40-centimeter tsunami at 4:36 p.m. local time. 

In addition, the tsunami has also reached the coast of the Sea of Japan, as reported by the NHK site. 

The tsunami will also repeatedly hit the coast and may get higher. 

"People in the area should evacuate immediately. Stay alert and evacuate to higher ground and go as far away from the coast as possible," NHK wrote. 

As previously reported, Japan officially issued a major tsunami warning, after a 7.6 magnitude earthquake shook the central region. 

"Residents in the coastal area of Noto in Ishikawa prefecture are asked to evacuate to higher ground immediately," national broadcaster NHK said. 

Authorities have warned of waves as high as 5 meters in Noto. 

They also issued tsunami warnings for neighboring Niigata and Toyama prefectures, where they said waves could reach 3 meters. 

Public television broadcast the words "EVACUATION" in large letters, and urged residents to evacuate to higher ground despite the cold weather.