People buried under rubble but threat downgraded
Night falls in Japan with ongoing tsunami warnings after a 7.6 magnitude quake struck.
Here's what we know so far:
1. Coastal residents instructed to seek higher ground across extensive Sea of Japan stretch.
2. Initial 5m wave warnings downgraded to 3m; "major tsunami warning" to "tsunami warning."
3. Recorded waves, currently highest at just over a meter, below initial warnings.
4. Central Japan rocked by around 50 earthquakes, magnitudes 3.4 to 7.6, in the past 5 hours.
5. Six trapped under rubble, buildings collapsed; massive fire reported in Ishikawa after earthquake.
6. Meteorological Agency warns of additional earthquakes in the coming days in Japan.
7. Motorways closed, bullet trains halted between Ishikawa and Tokyo due to earthquake aftermath.
8. Nuclear Regulation Authority reports no abnormalities at affected area's nuclear sites post-earthquake.
'This is like a disaster in the middle of Christmas dinner'
Yokohama-based Kanda University lecturer Jeffrey Hall felt two-minute tremors from today's quake.
Jeffrey Hall tells BBC: Japan quake is "very, very serious," causing widespread fear.
Hall compares Japan's quake to a major earthquake during British Christmas dinner—a significant disruption.
New Year's, when Japanese gather for family meals, disrupted by the significant earthquake.
At 16:30, major disruption occurred. Across Japan, families witness the scary event on TV.
Japan downgrades major tsunami warning
Japan downgrades Noto region's "major tsunami warning" to a lower-level "tsunami warning," according to Reuters.
First major alert since 2011 earthquake issued as officials downgrade tsunami warning in Japan.
Neighbouring Niigata and Toyama prefectures still under tsunami warnings, officials caution.
'The whole room was shaking, the TV was shaking'
Hakuba Alps snowboarder Baldwin Chia recounts quake experience: Room shaking, concern for friends, unexpected but feeling safe.
Fire department receives 30 reports of collapsed buildings
Wajima City Fire Department reports 30 building collapses; Ishikawa's "major tsunami warning" downgraded, evacuation urged.
Cars shake violently as earthquake hits Japan
Watch the earthquake hit Toyama City; car park shakes. Tsunami warnings issued, major warning downgraded.
