Japan Earthquake: 7.6 magnitude quake hits Japan on New Year's Day; tsunami warning issued

Japan Earthquake: An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.6 hit north-central Japan on New Year's Day, according to media reports.

According to reports, the Japan Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami warning along the coasts of Ishikawa, Niigata, and Toyama prefectures after a series of strong earthquakes shook western areas.

According to the weather service, a tsunami of up to 5 metres in height is expected to hit Noto in Ishikawa Prefecture.

NHK reported that waves up to one metre high hit the coast of Wajima City in Ishikawa Prefecture.

According to NHK, Hokuriku Electric Power is investigating any irregularities at its nuclear power plants.

"All residents must immediately evacuate to higher ground," NHK said after the quake struck the Noto region of Ishikawa prefecture at 4:10 p.m. (0710 GMT).

Meanwhile, South Korea's meteorological agency warned that sea levels may rise along parts of the country's east coast as a result of the 7.6 magnitude earthquake in Japan.