Liverpool sent emergency warning as huge tsunami hits Japan hours before Yokohama match

The Liverpool squad have been sent a tsunami warning following a powerful magnitude 8.8 earthquake in Russia on Wednesday.

Arne Slot's side landed in Japan on Sunday following the first leg of their pre-season tour in Hong Kong, where they lost 4-2 to AC Milan despite new signing Florian Wirtz impressing.

The Reds are set to continue their preparations for the new Premier League season in Yokohama, Japan, on Wednesday; however, the game has been cast into doubt following a tsunami warning.

The major earthquake has resulted in official evacuation orders for those on the Pacific coast of Japan, with reports in the country stating that the first tsunami waves, at 30cm high have arrived to the north coast.

Waves of 40cm have also been observed in Tokachi, in Hokkaido, which is 854 miles from Liverpool's base in Yokohama.

The Liverpool squad training in Japan (credit: getty)

A statement from the Japanese government read: "Damage due to tsunami waves is expected.

"Evacuate immediately from coastal regions and riverside areas to a safer place such as high ground or an evacuation building.

"Tsunami waves are expected to hit repeatedly. Do not leave safe ground until the warning is lifted," it added.

Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said authorities were "working to assess the situation", adding that any relief efforts will "put human lives first".

There has been no confirmation of any serious damage so far.

Despite the warnings, Liverpool's clash with Yokohama F Marino is currently set to go ahead at 11:30 am UK time, with public transport to the Nissan Stadium still in operation as things stand.

Yokohama is located on the western coast of Japan, just south of Tokyo and is not expected to be seriously affected by the tsunamis.

However, the city has mapped designated evacuation routes and tsunami shelters if required.