An entire city in western Japan has conducted a disaster drill to prepare for a mega quake predicted to occur along the Nankai Trough in the Pacific Ocean.

Kainan City in Wakayama Prefecture held its annual drill on Sunday, calling for all of its 47,000 citizens to take part.

Scientists predict an 8-meter tall tsunami would hit the city's coastal areas if such a quake occurs, and completely destroy more than 11,000 buildings.

Residents of the seaside district of Shiotsu practiced evacuating after loudspeakers announced a warning of a major tsunami.

They quickly moved to a temple designated as a primary shelter located on a hill 26 meters above sea level.

Senior members of the district checked a list of residents to confirm the number of evacuees and ensure their safety. The representatives then went to the community hall at an even higher location. They practiced procedures for setting up a shelter there, including assembling makeshift beds out of cardboard.

Minakata Yoshikado, one of the members in charge of disaster prevention, said it is important for people to evacuate without panic and confusion when a disaster occurs. He said his community will continue the training and awareness-building efforts to prevent loss of life.