A tsunami warning has been issued after an earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.6 hit Japan.

The warning, issued by the country’s meteorological agency, covers western coastal regions of Ishikawa, Niigata and Toyama.

Hokuriku Electric Power said it was checking for any irregularities at its nuclear power plants, Japanese broadcaster NHK said.

Waves of up to five metres high are believed to be reaching Noto in Ishikawa, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.

NHK urged people to flee to high land or the top of a nearby building as quickly as possible.

South Korea also warned the sea level in some areas along the east coast may rise after the earthquake.

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