TSUNAMI NIGHTMARE

Flood fears as rescuers desperately scour rubble for survivors

- ADAM ASPINALL

THOUSANDS of people have been told to flee their homes in Japan after earthquakes triggered fears of a tsunami.

The order came as rescuers were desperately searching through the rubble for trapped victims.

So far four people have been confirmed dead, say the Kyodo news agency, and dozens of others injured.

But many more are feared buried under debris from the severe series of quakes, the largest measuring 7.6 magnitude, which shook the central part of the East Asian nation yesterday at 4.10 pm, 7.10 am UK time.

Yoshimasa Hayashi, Chief Cabinet Secretary of Japan, said there were at least six people reported trapped under the rubble of their homes, although that number is expected to increase.

The military has been called up to aid in the rescue and evacuation. efforts with a total of 51,000 told to leave their homes.

Mr Hayashi stressed that it was critical for people in coastal areas to evacuate. "Every minute counts. Please evacuate to a safe area immediately," he said.

"People returning to get their wallets and other belongings have been known to be swept away and drowned even hours after the first evacuation warning.

He told reporters: "People were evacuated to stadiums, where they will likely have to stay for a few days.

The tremors initially triggered fears of a dreaded tsunami, with the meteorological agency initially meteorological agency initially warning citizens to brace for waves of up to 5m (16.4ft).

However, officials later downgraded the major warning to a regular tsunami warning.