Japan Earthquakes Trigger Downgraded Tsunami Alert

On 1 January, Japan was hit by more than 50 earthquakes, the largest with a magnitude of 7.6, leading to a tsunami alert. The Japan Meteorological Agency initially issued a 'major' tsunami warning predicting waves of up to 3m, but this has since been downgraded to a regular warning. The quakes and subsequent aftershocks, over 21 of which were above a 4.0 magnitude, caused extensive damage, triggering a fire, building collapses and power cuts to over 30,000 homes in the western regions. Rescue operations are underway according to Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. No fatalities have been reported, but injuries are confirmed.