On Monday, Japan activated tsunami alerts following a series of intense earthquakes in the Sea of Japan.

The Japan Meteorological Agency detected seismic activity off the shores of Ishikawa and neighboring prefectures shortly after 4 p.m., with one quake preliminarily measured at a magnitude of 7.6.

For Ishikawa, a significant tsunami warning was issued, while lower-level warnings or advisories extended to the western coast of Honshu Island.

NHK TV, the Japanese public broadcaster, cautioned that surges of water reaching up to 5 meters (16.5 feet) were possible. Urging residents to swiftly move to higher ground or the top of nearby buildings, NHK noted the likelihood of recurrent tsunami waves. The Associated Press (AP) reported that warnings persisted nearly an hour beyond the initial alert.

A government news conference was scheduled for later in the day, with no immediate reports of damage available.

Projections indicated a 3-meter high tsunami for Niigata and other western coastal prefectures. NHK confirmed smaller tsunami waves had already reached the shoreline.

The region encompassed a nuclear plant, operated by Tokyo Electric Power Co., which reported no immediate irregularities while conducting checks.

Given Japan's high seismic activity, it's worth noting that a major quake and tsunami in March 2011 led to meltdowns at a nuclear plant.