Japan Lowers Tsunami Warning, Coastal Residents Advised Against Returning Home

Japan has dropped its highest-level tsunami alert issued post a series of significant earthquakes on Monday. Yet, residents living along the coastlines were cautioned against returning home, as the potential for perilous waves still loomed.

The Japan Meteorological Agency revised the "major tsunami warning" initially directed at Ishikawa prefecture in central Japan to a "tsunami warning." Nevertheless, they emphasized the importance of sustained vigilance among the populace.

Tsunami warnings persist for Niigata, Toyama, Yamagata, Fukui, and Hyogo prefectures, according to NHK. Reports from NHK indicate waves exceeding 1 meter in height struck the shores of Wajima City in Ishikawa Prefecture.

Incidents of injuries and damages stemming from the potent quake along the Sea of Japan coast have been reported. By 7 p.m., multiple injuries were confirmed across Ishikawa, Niigata, and Fukui prefectures, as per data compiled from fire departments and hospitals by NHK.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida assured that authorities are actively evaluating any resulting damages following Monday's 7.5 magnitude earthquake in western Japan. "In response to the M7 earthquake at Noto region in Ishikawa prefecture, we have immediately set up the Prime Minister's Office of Response - Disaster Counter Measure HQ," the prime minister communicated via X.