Tsunami Warning in Japan Following 7.6 Magnitude Earthquake

Japan issued a tsunami warning after a series of strong earthquakes occurred in the Sea of Japan. The Japan Meteorological Agency reported early this morning local time that earthquakes had struck the shores of Ishikawa and neighboring prefectures, one of which had an initial magnitude of 7.6. The country issued a major tsunami warning for Ishikawa and lower-level tsunami warnings for the rest of the western coast of Honshu Island. Japan's public television warned that tsunami waves could reach heights of up to 5 meters and urged people to evacuate to higher ground or the upper floors of nearby buildings as quickly as possible. According to the Associated Press, a tsunami of about 3 meters was expected to hit Niigata and other western coastal prefectures of Japan. Smaller tsunami waves had already been confirmed to have reached the coastline. Reports indicate that this area includes a nuclear power plant. Tokyo Electric Power Company stated that it is investigating issues but there are no immediate reports of disorder. Japan is a country that is highly earthquake-prone. In March 2011, a major earthquake and tsunami caused the destruction of a nuclear power plant. An earthquake with a magnitude of 7.5 shook the Philippines; tsunami warnings were issued in both the Philippines and Japan. Japan is set to begin releasing water from Fukushima. Rafael Grossi's visit to South Korea and discussions about the discharge of radioactive water from the Fukushima plant.