Over 50 earthquakes have hit Japan today as tsunami alerts have been issued.

People living on the worst affected Ishikawa peninsula in the Noto region are being urged to make for high ground.

The quakes began shortly after 7am this morning local time when a 7.6 magnitude earthquake was recorded.

At least 30 buildings have collapsed and one person has been confirmed dead.

It is currently unknown how many people may have been killed or injured as many are trapped under the rubble of collapsed buildings.

Tens of thousands of homes are also without electricity.

A fire broke out in Wajima City, Ishikawa, as a result of the quake. 1.1.24. Image: Associated Press / Alamy Stock Photo

Residents living along the 10,000km long Honshu coast are being told to leave their homes.

An original tsunami warning has been downgraded but waves could still reach 3m high in certain places.

Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida says authorities are working in a way that "puts human life first".

“First of all, I would like to ask all residents to continue to pay close attention to the currents of these strong earthquakes,” he said.

“If you are in a region where a tsunami is expected – please evacuate as soon as possible.”

Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida speaks to the reporters at his office in Tokyo. 1.1.2024. Image: Associated Press / Alamy Stock Photo

Toshihiro Shimoyama from Japan's Meteorological Agency has called on residents of affected areas to evacuate to higher ground.

“If you are on the coast or along a river, please evacuate to a higher place immediately,” he said.

“In areas where the shaking is strong, there is a risk of housing collapsing and landslides.”

A house is damaged by an earthquake in Wajima, Ishikawa. 1.1.24. Image: Associated Press / Alamy Stock Photo

Tsunami warnings have also been issued in Russia and South Korea.

Japan is a hot spot for earthquakes due to its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire where a number of fault lines converge.

An earthquake and tsunami that hit the country in 2011 killed over 20,000 people.

Main image: Cracked roads in Wajima City, Ishikawa. 1.1.24. Image: Associated Press / Alamy Stock Photo