Tsunami up to ten feet tall expected to hit Okinawa prefecture, Japan

OKINAWA: Tsunami up to ten feet tall is expected hit Japan’s Okinawa prefecture the Japanese public broadcaster NHK announced.

As per the Japan Meteorological Agency, tsunami warning was issued for the Miyakojima and Yaeyama islands, and the Okinawa Main Island, all situated in the Okinawa prefecture.

Waves almost 30 centimetres (cm) tall have already reached the Yonaguni island in the Okinawa prefecture around 9:14 am local time, the NHK reported.

According to NHK, the tsunami has also hit the Ishigaki island around 9:32 pm local time.

The NHK reported that officials have also begun to evacuate the area around 10:05 am local time.

Waves reaching up to 20 cm have reached Miyako island at 10:08 am local time, as well.

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The Japanese government issued tsunami warning for the entire prefecture and ordered immediate evacuation from the vulnerable areas, cautioning that the tsunami could strike “repeatedly” and potentially exceed the stated height.

The government also warned citizens “to not underestimate the tsunami” and evacuate immediately, stating that they may not have sufficient time to outrun the advancing onslaught of water.

The NHK has advised residents to evacuate “immediately” to a safer location, such as “higher ground or tall building” and to stay away from the coasts. Citizens are advised to park their cars on side of the road and evacuate to safer locations.

Tourists are instructed to evacuate “immediately” and encouraged to seek assistance from local residents to navigate the area safely.

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A 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck around 9 am local time. The depth of the earthquake was 34 kilometres.

The earthquake was felt in Taiwan, as well. As per United States Geological Survey (USGS), a 7.4 magnitude earthquake hit the small island. Meanwhile, the NHK reported that tsunami warning has been issued for Taiwan, as well.

As per Taiwanese media, one person has been killed and 50 injured so far due to the earthquake.

Earthquake tremors were also felt in China.

More to follow…