Japan tsunami: Magnitude 5.9 earthquake triggered by volcanic activity sparks terrifying warning

Japan was issued a scary tsunami warning after an earthquake at sea - the Japan Meteorological Agency said a magnitude 5.9 quake hit off the Izu Islands and tsunami waves up to one metre above tide levels could occur

A terrifying tsunami warning has been issued after a 5.9 magnitude earthquake rocked Japan.

A tsunami wave with a height of 20cm has been observed at Kozushima Port, according to a local newa outlet via NTV News. While a tsunami of 50cm was observed in Hachijo-jima, Hachijo Town, Tokyo.

Japan's meteorological agency issued a tsunami advisory this morning to remote islands south of Tokyo after an earthquake that may have been triggered by volcanic activity. Japanese shipping company Tokai Kisen has cancelled its morning ferry services between Tokyo and Oshima, and between Atami and Oshima due to the tsunami warning issued in Izu Islands,

The Japan Meteorological Agency said a magnitude 5.9 quake hit off the Izu Islands and tsunami waves up to one metre above tide levels could occur on the coasts of the Izu and Ogasawara island chains. The US Geological Survey measured the quake's strength at 5.6 magnitude.

The agency predicted small swelling of waves along the southeastern Pacific coasts but said there is no danger from it. The JMA said a tsunami of about 50 centimetres (about 20 inches) was detected in the Yaene district on Hachijo Island about 30 minutes after the quake.

Smaller tsunamis have been detected on three other islands - Kozushima, Miyakejima and Izu Oshima, the agency said.

The offshore quake occurred about 180 kilometers (111 miles) south of Hachijo island, which is about 300 kilometers (186 miles) south of Tokyo, the agency said. Residents on Hachijo island said they did not feel the quake and only heard the tsunami advisory, Japan's NHK public television said.

Television footage showed waves splashing against a wharf on Hachijo island but no major swelling was seen.

Residents on Hachijo said they did not feel the quake and only heard the tsunami advisory, Japan's NHK public television said.

Ryuji Minemoto, a Hachijo resident, told NHK that he was on high ground overlooking the ocean but didn't notice changes in the water. "I can see some ships but they don't seem to be moving violently," he said. Minemoto said he did not feel the earlier quake.

Fumihiko Imamura, a Tohoku University seismologist, said Tuesday's tsunami is believed to be related to undersea volcanic activity. He said larger tsunami could arrive much later and urged coastal residents to keep their guards up while the advisory is in place. The offshore quake was not felt, and no damage or injuries have been reported. They said the tsunami is believed to be related to undersea volcanic activity that might have caused a rise or sinking of parts of the seabed. Imamura told NHK that such movement, unlike ordinary quakes, may not have caused rattling.

About 21,500 people live on the islands in the Izu group and about 2,500 on the Ogasawara Islands. Japan sits on the Pacific "Ring of Fire," a line of seismic faults encircling the Pacific Ocean, and is one of the world's most earthquake and tsunami-prone countries.

The Japan Meteorological Agency says slight sea level fluctuations are expected along the coast from Chiba to Daito Islands region of Okinawa.

In the past few minutes we're hearing the tsunami warning for Izu and Ogasawara islands has been lifted.

Small tsunami waves washed ashore on remote Japanese islands Tuesday morning. The tsunami advisory was lifted about three hours after the quake. No damage or injuries were reported.