A powerful magnitude 7.5 earthquake struck northern Japan off the coast of Iwate Prefecture, triggering tsunami warnings and advisories.
The Japan Meteorological Agency has warned that tsunami waves of up to about 10 feet (3 meters) could hit coastal areas of Iwate Prefecture, parts of Hokkaido, and Aomori Prefecture. Lower-level advisories of around 3 feet (1 meter) remain in effect for nearby regions including Miyagi Prefecture and Fukushima Prefecture.
Initial tsunami waves of about 2.6 feet (80 cm) and 1.3 feet (40 cm) have already been recorded in coastal ports of Iwate Prefecture. As a precaution, services on the Shinkansen have been suspended.
Authorities are urging residents in coastal areas to evacuate to higher ground immediately as further waves may follow.
