JAPAN EARTHQUAKE: After tsunami warnings, thousands of people sought refuge in Japan.
In a recent seismic event, western Japan experienced a powerful 7.5 magnitude earthquake on Monday afternoon. The quake struck the Noto Peninsula of Ishikawa prefecture at a depth of 10 kilometers, leading to the collapse of buildings, fires, and triggering tsunami alerts across the region. The Japan Meteorological Agency promptly issued a tsunami warning for coastal areas of western Japan.
JAPAN EARTHQUAKE: The first tsunami waves, reaching approximately 1.2 meters, were reported around 10 minutes after the earthquake in the city of Wajima in Ishikawa prefecture. Thankfully, initial reports suggested no immediate damage in this area. However, the defense ministry deployed 1,000 military personnel to assist in rescue and recovery efforts.
Suzu city officials in Ishikawa reported damaged buildings and injuries, with some individuals trapped in collapsed houses. As of now, there have been no reported fatalities. Hospital officials in Suzu noted challenges in providing medical aid due to damaged roads.
JAPAN EARTHQUAKE: Japan Meteorological Agency initially issued a “major tsunami warning,” a rarity since the devastating 2011 earthquake, specifically for Noto. This was later downgraded to a “tsunami warning.” The tsunami warning system categorizes waves under “advisory,” “warning,” and “major warning” based on expected heights.
Footage from the quake showed intense shaking, with coastal areas experiencing powerful waves. Houses were rocked, and images revealed collapsed roofs and damaged foundations. Witnesses described the panic among people as the ground shook, with some noting the shaking of cars and falling snow from rooftops.
JAPAN EARTHQUAKE: Several aftershocks followed the main quake, including a 6.2 magnitude aftershock and others of varying magnitudes. The country’s weather agency warned of potential strong aftershocks over the next few days to a week, raising concerns about additional building collapses and landslides.
Power outages affected more than 32,500 homes in Ishikawa prefecture, and while there were reports of an impact on the power converter at the Shika nuclear power plant, Japan’s Nuclear Regulation Authority stated there were no significant issues with the reactors.
JAPAN EARTHQUAKE: Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida assured that efforts were underway to assess the damage, with the government prioritizing the safety of human lives. Tsunami waves were also reported along Japan’s western coast and in eastern Russia, emphasizing the widespread impact of the seismic event.
As the situation develops, it is crucial for residents in affected areas to follow safety guidelines and for the international community to stay informed about the ongoing events through reliable news sources and updates from local authorities.
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