Japan lifts 'megaquake' warning, tells people to 'go back to normal'

Tokyo: Japan lifted on Thursday a warning that a megaquake potentially causing colossal damage and loss of life could strike, with the government te...

Tokyo: Japan lifted on Thursday a warning that a "megaquake" potentially causing colossal damage and loss of life could strike, with the government telling people to "go back to normal".

The week-old alert that such a catastrophe might hit the archipelago of 125 million people prompted thousands to cancel holidays and stock up on essentials, emptying shelves in some stores.

"The people of Japan are free to go back to normal lifestyles," disaster management minister Yoshifumi Matsumura said as he announced the lifting of the advisory at 5:00 pm (0800 GMT).

However, he said people should not forget measures such as securing furniture, ensuring family members know the location of evacuation shelters, and stockpiling emergency foods.

"The special call for attention ended but it doesn't mean the risk of a major earthquake has been eliminated," Matsumura told reporters.