People run for their lives as tsunami waves crash into Japan with fears of more to come

A huge 7.6-magnitude earthquake hit on New Year's Day.

Jan 1, 2024 - 14:00
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People run for their lives as tsunami waves crash into Japan with fears of more to come
A three-metre tsunami could hit Japan on New Year's Day after a huge earthquake hit and some roads have completely collapsed in the Ishikawa region (Picture: Reuters/AFP)
A three-metre tsunami could hit Japan on New Year’s Day after a huge earthquake hit and some roads have completely collapsed in the Ishikawa region (Picture: Reuters/AFP)

An urgent tsunami warning has been issued in Japan after a series of severe earthquakes struck – with waves as high as three metres battering the country.

Alerts have been put in place after a 7.6-magnitude quake hit Noto, Ishikawa, on New Year’s Day, causing major damage to roads and buildings.

Most of Japan felt the powerful tremor and dozens of aftershocks have since rocked the country, leaving more than 36,000 homes without power.

People have been urged to quickly leave coastal areas and flee to higher ground with tsunami warnings covering almost the entire west coast.