Residents told to run as Japan quake triggers tsunami waves

1.2-metre-high waves hit central Japan, smaller tsunamis reported from other areas

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TSUNAMI waves that were more than a metre high hit central Japan on Monday after a huge earthquake that damaged homes, set off a major fire, and prompted authorities to urge people to run to higher ground.

Media reports said two people were feared dead after the 7.5-magnitude quake struck Ishikawa prefecture on the Sea of Japan side of the main island of Honshu at 4.10 pm (0710 GMT), according to the US Geological Survey.

Japanese authorities said that it was one of more than 50 or so quakes of 3.2 magnitude or more to rock the region on the New Year’s Day holiday when families get together and visit shrines over several hours.