Tsunami advisory for Japan’s pacific coast, islands lifted

A tsunami advisory issued for wide areas of Japan’s Pacific coast and smaller islands on Monday morning has been lifted after tsunami waves up to 60 centimeters high reached several locations.

The US Geological Survey reported a series of earthquakes of magnitude 4.9 or more struck near the Izu islands which are part of Tokyo prefecture.

The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami advisory for the Izu and Ogasawara island chains in the Pacific Ocean.

It also applied to Kochi, Miyazaki and Kagoshima Prefectures in western Japan, and Chiba Prefecture, east of Tokyo.

A tsunami of up to 60 centimeters was observed on Hachijojima Island at 7:17 a.m. Smaller waves were also recorded in other areas.

Official say some small boats capsized in the Izu Islands but there were no reports of casualties.

The meteorological agency is advising people in the area to remain vigilant.

JMA official Shimoyama Toshihiro said, “There’s been continual seismic activity in the area since October 2. A tsunami was observed following the quake that occurred around 11 a.m. on October 5. This seismic activity is expected to continue for the time being. Please remain on the alert for tsunami and seismic activity.”