Japan earthquakes: Coastal residents told to evacuate amid tsunami warnings

globalnews.ca:

Japan’s main island, Honshu. It was unclear how many people might have been killed or hurt.The Japan Meteorological Agency reported more than a dozen quakes in the Japan Sea off the coast of Ishikawa and nearby prefectures shortly after 4 p.m.At least six homes were damaged by the quakes, with people trapped inside, government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi said.

A fire broke out in Wajima city, Ishikawa Prefecture, and electricity was out for more than 30,000 households, he said.The agency initially issued a major tsunami warning for Ishikawa and lower-level tsunami warnings or advisories for the rest of the western coast of the island of Honshu, as well as the northernmost of its main islands, Hokkaido.The warning was downgraded to a regular tsunami several hours later, meaning the waters could still reach up to 3 meters (10 feet). Aftershocks could also slam the same area over the next few days, it said.Japanese public broadcaster NHK TV initially warned torrents of water could reach as high as 5 meters (16.5 feet).NHK said the tsunami waves could keep returning, and warnings were continuing to be aired hours after the initial alert.

Several aftershocks also rocked the region.Hayashi stressed that it was critical for people in coastal areas to get away from the oncoming tsunami.“Every minute counts. Please evacuate to a safe area immediately,” he said.People returning to get their wallets and other belongings have been known to be swept away and drowned even hours after the first evacuation warning.

People were evacuated to stadiums, where they will likely have to stay for a few days.Hayashi said no reports of deaths or injuries had been confirmed from the quakes, saying the situation was still unclear. Japan’s military