Japan is on high alert following a powerful 7.6 magnitude earthquake striking the central region. The country issued a significant tsunami warning, urging immediate evacuation for residents in

the coastal Noto area of Ishikawa prefecture to move to higher ground. National broadcaster NHK reported the arrival of initial tsunami waves, some exceeding a meter in height, along the northern coast of central Japan.

Authorities have cautioned about potential 5-meter high waves expected to reach Noto, and neighboring Niigata and Toyama prefectures have also been issued tsunami warnings, with expected waves of up to 3 meters. While the earthquake rattled the region, the largest nuclear power operator, Kansai Electric, assured no abnormalities were detected in the affected area's nuclear plants.

The Japan Meteorological Agency delineated the affected zones through a map, indicating the epicenter near Suzu City with a red X. A purple line highlights the area under a "major tsunami warning," signifying the possibility of waves surpassing 3 meters, while red signifies waves of up to 3 meters and yellow indicates waves of 1 meter or less. The blue area marks slight sea level alterations. The nation remains vigilant as it braces for potential tsunami impacts across the central coastal areas. Photo by 663highland, Wikimedia commons.