BBC News World
There are reports of people trapped under the rubble of their collapsed homes. (REUTERS)
A powerful 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck central Japan, causing houses to collapse, roads to crack, and leaving thousands without electricity.
Authorities issued a tsunami warning for the coastal region of Noto in Ishikawa Prefecture, advising residents to "evacuate immediately.".
They also issued a warning for the neighboring prefectures of Niigata and Toyama, where they announced that the waves could reach 3 meters in height.
Bullet train services between Tokyo and Ishikawa Prefecture have been suspended, according to the railway company.
The columns of the torii gate at Onohiyoshi Temple in Kanazawa collapsed in the earthquake. (REUTERS).
Enormous cracks appeared in the streets and roads of Wajima City, in Ishikawa Prefecture, the worst-affected region. (REUTERS).
REUTERS.
REUTERS.
GETTY IMAGES.
Several residents posted photos and videos on social media as they felt the earthquake.
Images taken at a store in Kanazawa, Ishikawa, capture items falling off the shelves.
Some of the customers, visibly frightened, crouch down for protection.
REUTERS.
REUTERS.
REUTERS.
The collapse of a wall at a shopping center in Kaga, Ishikawa. (REUTERS).
Public television projected a graphic in large letters that read “Evacuate immediately!”, urging residents to flee to higher ground despite the winter weather.
They also issued a warning for the neighboring prefectures of Niigata and Toyama, where they announced that the waves could reach 3 meters in height.
GETTY IMAGES.
