Powerful Earthquake and Tsunami Rock Central and Western Japan, Triggering Evacuations and Infrastructure Disruptions
In a devastating turn of events, a formidable earthquake and subsequent tsunami wreaked havoc on central and western Japan on Monday. The seismic activity, with a preliminary magnitude of 7.6, led to warnings urging residents to evacuate, resulting in widespread power outages, disrupted transportation services, and an urgent call for preparedness.
The quake unleashed waves of approximately 1 meter along portions of the Sea of Japan coast, as reported by the public broadcaster NHK. The Japan Meteorological Agency swiftly issued tsunami warnings for the coastal prefectures of Ishikawa, Niigata, and Toyama. Additionally, Russia issued warnings in its far eastern cities of Vladivostok and Nakhodka in anticipation of the potential impact.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida addressed the nation, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance in the face of potential aftershocks. “Residents need to stay on alert for further possible quakes, and I urge people in areas where tsunamis are expected to evacuate as soon as possible,” Kishida stated.
NHK broadcasted footage revealing the grim aftermath, including a building collapsing in the coastal city of Suzu and residents in Kanazawa city taking cover under tables during the tremors. The quake’s impact extended to the capital Tokyo on the opposite coast, causing buildings to sway.
Tsunami warnings are in place for all prefectures with coasts facing the Sea of Japan. Japanese TV urging people to run immediately to higher ground! This is serious. 5m waves expected in Ishikawa. #japan #earthquake pic.twitter.com/Y8h4Vbe8c8
— Greg R. Hill (@greghill) January 1, 2024
Ishikawa and Toyama prefectures experienced power outages affecting over 36,000 households, according to Hokuriku Electric Power. High-speed rail services to Ishikawa were suspended, and major telecom operators Softbank and KDDI reported disruptions in phone and internet services in Ishikawa and Niigata.
Air travel faced significant disruptions, with Japanese airlines ANA and Japan Airlines redirecting and canceling flights to affected regions. The Nuclear Regulation Authority assured that no irregularities were detected at nuclear power plants along the Sea of Japan, alleviating concerns about a repeat of the catastrophic events of March 11, 2011.
Despite the challenges posed by this recent disaster, there is a collective effort underway to assess the full extent of the damage and provide support to affected communities, underscoring the importance of resilience in the face of natural calamities.
32,500 Homes in Ishikawa Prefecture Powerless
In the aftermath of a potent earthquake and subsequent aftershocks in Japan’s Ishikawa prefecture, more than 32,500 homes are grappling with power outages, as reported by Hokuriku Electric Power. The seismic event, marked by a magnitude of 7.5, has triggered widespread disruptions, prompting authorities to issue tsunami warnings along the coastal regions of western Japan. Urgent evacuations are underway as residents navigate the challenges posed by the aftermath of this impactful earthquake.
Tsunami Waves Hit Western Japan Coastal Regions Following Powerful Earthquake
In the wake of a potent 7.5 magnitude earthquake striking Ishikawa prefecture, tsunami waves have been reported along the western coast of Japan. The city of Wajima in Ishikawa has experienced waves reaching approximately 1.2 meters (3.9 feet), according to Japanese public broadcaster NHK, with the occurrence documented around 4:21 p.m. local time.
Despite the substantial seismic activity, there have been no immediate reports of damage. Several other areas along the western coast, including Toyama city, Kashiwazaki, Kanazawa port, Tobishima island, and Sado island, have reported tsunami waves below 1 meter.
Ongoing Concerns: The city of Noto in Ishikawa prefecture is currently under a major tsunami warning, with the Japan Meteorological Agency predicting waves of around 5 meters. As per Japan’s tsunami warning system, areas anticipating waves below 1 meter fall under a “tsunami advisory,” while those expecting waves above 3 meters are categorized as a “tsunami warning.” A “major tsunami warning” is issued for areas anticipating waves exceeding 5 meters.
As residents and authorities remain on high alert, the expectation of additional waves underscores the need for continued vigilance and adherence to the established tsunami warning classifications in these potentially hazardous coastal regions.
Tsunami warnings are in place for all prefectures with coasts facing the Sea of Japan. Japanese TV urging people to run immediately to higher ground! This is serious. 5m waves expected in Ishikawa. #japan #earthquake pic.twitter.com/Y8h4Vbe8c8
— Greg R. Hill (@greghill) January 1, 2024