Japan's state-owned news agency NHK published an update on the massive earthquake that hit the Sea of Japan coast on Monday, 1 January.

The 7.5 magnitude earthquake left significant damage to buildings and took the lives of at least 48 people so far.

When the earthquake occurred, experts warned of tsunami waves possibly hitting the country's west coast.

However, the Japan Meteorological Agency later cancelled its initial quake-related tsunami warnings but urged residents to remain vigilant.

The areas most affected by the disaster include Ishikawa, Niigata, Fukui, Toyama, and Gifu.

Local news agency The Japan Times reported that Kanazawa Port in Ishikawa experienced 40 centimetres waves. In addition, NHK news revealed that several boats had capsized at the city's port.

Other areas, including the relatively smaller port in Wajima, witnessed waves of up to 1.2 meters.

Transport disruption in these areas is likely in the next few days as the cities continue to monitor the situation.