7.6-Magnitude Quake Rocks Japan, Mojor Tsunami Alert, Urgent Evacuations Ordered
Hyderabad: Central Japan, particularly Ishikawa, was struck by a substantial earthquake registering a preliminary magnitude of 7.6, prompting a tsunami warning and advisories for residents to evacuate immediately and brace for potential aftershocks.
A tsunami, initially measuring around 1 meter (3.3 feet), swept parts of the Sea of Japan's west coast, with public broadcaster NHK reporting an anticipation of a larger wave.
Government spokesperson Yoshimasa Hayashi assured that nuclear plants in the vicinity had not detected any irregularities. Nevertheless, he emphasized the critical need for coastal inhabitants to move away from the approaching tsunami.
Hayashi stressed, "Every minute counts. Please evacuate to a safe area immediately."
Key updates on the situation:
NHK TV cautioned that torrential waters could reach heights of up to 5 meters (16.5 feet), urging people to seek refuge on higher ground or atop nearby buildings swiftly.
Waves exceeding 1 meter in height struck Wajima City on Ishikawa Prefecture's coast, as reported by NHK.
NHK issued an urgent directive for all residents in the Noto region of Ishikawa prefecture to evacuate immediately to higher ground following the quake at around 4:10 pm (0710 GMT).
South Korea's meteorological agency warned of potential sea level rises along parts of the east coast in the aftermath of the 7.6 magnitude earthquake in Japan.
Kansai Electric Power reported no abnormalities at its nuclear power plants but closely monitored the situation.
High-speed trains ceased operations in Ishikawa Prefecture after powerful quakes rattled western Japan, according to local media reports.
A series of 21 earthquakes, each registering a magnitude of 4.0 or higher, occurred in central Japan in just over 90 minutes on Monday, with the most potent reaching 7.6. Tsunami warnings ensued, prompting authorities to advise residents to seek higher ground.
Japan's rigorous construction regulations, aimed at ensuring buildings withstand seismic activity, and regular emergency drills reflect the nation's preparedness for significant earthquakes.
The haunting memory of the colossal 9.0-magnitude undersea quake in March 2011, triggering a devastating tsunami that claimed around 18,500 lives, lingers in Japan's collective consciousness.
In March 2022, a 7.4-magnitude quake off the coast of Fukushima resulted in casualties in eastern Japan, with Tokyo still recovering from a massive earthquake in 1923.
