SATV Kathmandu, JULY 31:  Marc Stewart and Junko Ogura, July 30: More than 2 million people across Japan were issued with localised evacuation orders, the country’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency said Wednesday, as waves measuring up to 4.2 feet (1.3 meters) hit the east coast of Hokkaido.

It comes as tsuanmi warnings in some parts of the country were downgraded to advisories. The warnings still remain in the Hokkaido and Tohoku regions, however.

In a previous advisory on Wednesday, the agency also warned that tsunami waves can strike repeatedly, and that residents in affected areas shouldn’t leave their shelters until tsunami warnings or advisories are lifted.