Vehicles and buildings were seen shaking as video emerged of a series of strong earthquakes on Japan’s western coastline.
The quakes, the largest of which had a magnitude of 7.6, started a fire and collapsed buildings on the west coast of Japan’s main island, Honshu.
At least six homes were damaged, with people trapped inside, government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi said.
A fire broke out in Wajima city, Ishikawa Prefecture, and electricity was out for more than 30,000 households, he said.
A video posted to social media showed leaks in the ceiling at a train station in Kanazawa, the capital of Ishikawa Prefecture, and puddles of water collecting on the ground.
The station also reportedly lost power during an earthquake.
Japanese public broadcaster NHK TV initially warned torrents of water could reach as high as 5 meters (16.5 feet).
NHK said the tsunami waves could keep returning, and warnings were continuing to be aired hours after the initial alert. Several aftershocks also rocked the region.
It was unclear how many people might have been killed or hurt.
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