A tsunami alert is issued after a 7.6-magnitude earthquake hits Japan.

According to official broadcaster NHK, an earthquake struck north central Japan on Monday with a preliminary magnitude of 7.6.

A tsunami warning has been issued in the western coastal districts of Niigata, Toyama, and Ishikawa prefectures by the Japan Meteorological Agency.

The weather agency reports that a tsunami as high as five meters is thought to be approaching Noto in Ishikawa Prefecture.

NHK reported that waves as high as one meter crashed into the coast of Wajima City, Ishikawa Prefecture.

As per NHK, Hokuriku Electric Power has declared that it is examining its nuclear power stations for any anomalies.