Miki Bristow

A short time ago the authorities downgraded those warnings to advisories. No longer are they expecting waves of three meters. It's down now to about a meter. In fact, some of those waves have already hit. Having said that, evacuation orders do remain or seem to remain in place in some areas. 170,000 people have already fled their homes for centers or higher ground areas.

People are being told to stay away from coastal areas and river estuaries, that kind of thing. Interestingly, the authorities have said that over the next week there could be increased or further seismic activity. This earthquake, magnitude 7.7, might not be the biggest over the next few days, so the authorities are advising residents to be alert and keep supplies nearby just in case they have to evacuate at short notice.