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 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.