A powerful earthquake measuring 7.4 on Richter scale hit central Japan today. Japan Meteorological Agency has issued a tsunami warning along coastal regions of Ishikawa, Niigata and Toyama prefectures. Tsunami of up to 5 metres high are believed to be reaching Noto in Ishikawa Prefecture.

Waves more than 1 metre high hit the coast of Wajima City in Ishikawa Prefecture, NHK reported. Hokuriku Electric Power said it is checking for any irregularities at its nuclear power plants.