Japan issues tsunami warnings after a series of very strong quakes

Japan issued tsunami alerts and told people to evacuate coastal areas after a series of strong quakes on its western coastline. The Japan Meteorological Agency reported quakes off the coast of Ishikawa and nearby prefectures. Tsunami warnings were issued for Ishikawa and lower-level warnings or advisories for the rest of the western coast of Japan's main island of Honshu. Japanese public broadcaster NHK TV warned of high tsunami waves and urged people to flee to high land or nearby buildings. Government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi emphasized the importance of immediate evacuation for people in coastal areas.