Japan has downgraded the highest-level tsunami alert it issued following a series of major earthquakes on Monday, January 1.
But residents in coastal areas have been warned not to return to their homes as there could still be deadly waves. 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 injured. The Japan Meteorological Agency reported more than a dozen quakes in the Sea of Japan 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. Try MEN Premium now with our amazing New Year offer...