A major tsunami warning has been issued in Japan.

It comes as a series of earthquakes, including one of 7.6 magnitude, hit the north of the country this morning.

Evacuation orders have been issued for coastal areas facing the Sea of Japan.

A tsunami warning has been issued in Japan. Image: Japan Meteorological Agency

The Japan Meteorological Agency is warning of waves reaching as high as 5m (16.5ft) in some areas.

The prefectures of Ishikawa, Niigata, and Toyama are expected to be the worst hit.

Public broadcaster NHK TV has appealed to people in coastal regions to flee to high land or rooftops.

A massive earthquake has struck Ishikawa Prefecture, central Japan. A tsunami warning has been issued for Niigata, Toyama, Ishikawa prefectures of the Japan Sea side of the country. People in these area must evacuate immediately.https://t.co/bZpiKm8wIN pic.twitter.com/hl9ERDhF8C

— NHK WORLD News (@NHKWORLD_News) January 1, 2024

Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has urged citizens to “act in close coordination with local Government”.

“[We will] spare no effort in our emergency disaster responses, including saving lives and rescuing disaster victims, with the Government working as one,” he said.

Mr Kishida has also warned the public that more earthquakes may lie ahead.

Japan is prone to earthquakes due to its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire where multiple tectonic plates converge.

Main image: A tsunami warning is shown on TV in Yokohama. 1-1.2024. Image: Associated Press / Alamy Stock Photo