Japan Lifts Tsunami Alert Amid Series of Major Earthquakes, Urges Coastal Residents to Remain Cautious

TOKYO (AP) — Japan has lifted its highest-level tsunami alert issued after a series of major earthquakes on Monday. However, residents of coastal areas are urged not to return home as deadly waves remain a possibility. The earthquakes, with the largest registering a magnitude of 7.6, caused fires and building collapses on the west coast of Japan’s main island, Honshu. The full extent of casualties remains unclear. The Japan Meteorological Agency reported over a dozen quakes in the Japan Sea off the coast of Ishikawa and nearby prefectures. A major tsunami warning was initially issued but later downgraded to a regular tsunami, indicating waves up to 3 meters (10 feet) could still occur. Aftershocks and the risk of additional quakes persist in the coming days. Evacuations are crucial for coastal areas, and residents are urged to move to safe locations immediately. No confirmed reports of deaths or injuries are available, and rescue efforts, including Japan’s military, are underway. Japanese media captured scenes of people fleeing through streets, buildings on fire, and disruptions to transportation services. The Meteorological Agency warns of the potential for more significant quakes in the region over the next week. Parts of North Korea and Russia also received tsunami warnings. The Japanese government has established an emergency center to swiftly relay information to residents and ensure safety. Japan, prone to earthquakes, last faced a tsunami warning of this magnitude following the 2011 disaster that resulted in nuclear plant meltdowns. As of now, no irregularities have been reported at nuclear plants in the affected area, and radiation levels remain stable.