ATTENTION Powerful earthquake and tsunami in Japan

Japan has urged residents to evacuate immediately after a 7. 6 magnitude earthquake struck the central region. A major tsunami warning was issued for the coastal Noto area in Ishikawa, warning of waves as high as 5m. Authorities also issued tsunami warnings for the neighbouring Niigata and Toyama prefectures, where they said waves could reach 3m. Public television flashed EVACUATE in big letters, urging residents to flee to higher ground despite the cold.