In a seismic event that has sent shockwaves across central Japan, a powerful 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck the Noto region in Ishikawa prefecture on Monday, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The quake, which occurred at 4:10 pm local time (7:10 am GMT), has prompted authorities to issue tsunami warnings and urge residents in the affected areas to evacuate to higher ground immediately.
A massive earthquake has struck Ishikawa Prefecture, central Japan. A tsunami warning has been issued for Niigata, Toyama, Ishikawa prefectures of the Japan Sea side of the country. People in these area must evacuate immediately.https://t.co/bZpiKm8wIN pic.twitter.com/hl9ERDhF8C
— NHK WORLD News (@NHKWORLD_News) January 1, 2024
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) reported a rapid succession of earthquakes in the Noto region, beginning with a 5.7 magnitude tremor at 4:06 pm local time. This was followed by a 7.6-magnitude quake at 4:10 pm, a 6.1-magnitude quake at 4:18 pm, a 4.5-magnitude one at 4:23 pm, a 4.6-magnitude quake at 4:29 pm, and a 4.8-magnitude quake at 4:32 pm. A subsequent quake with a magnitude of 6.2 hit shortly after, as per the US Geological Survey.
Tsunami warnings are in effect along the Japanese coast, with the Hawaii-based Pacific Tsunami Warning Center cautioning of hazardous tsunami waves within 300 kilometers (190 miles) of the quake’s epicenter.
Reports confirm that a tsunami measuring 1.2 meters has already reached Wajima city in Ishikawa prefecture. However, a much larger tsunami, expected to be around 5 meters high, is anticipated to hit Noto in the same region, according to the JMA.
National broadcaster NHK has issued urgent calls for residents in the affected areas to move to higher ground immediately. Special programming has been initiated to provide continuous coverage of the situation.
Japan, known for its strict construction regulations to withstand earthquakes, is no stranger to seismic activities. However, the nation remains haunted by the devastating 9.0-magnitude earthquake and tsunami in March 2011, which claimed around 18,500 lives and triggered a nuclear disaster at the Fukushima plant. The current situation raises concerns about the ability of structures to withstand the impact of this latest quake.
In March 2022, a 7.4-magnitude quake off the coast of Fukushima resulted in three fatalities, serving as a reminder of the persistent seismic threats faced by the region. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and urging residents to prioritize their safety over belongings. The capital Tokyo, with a history of earthquakes, remains on alert as the nation collectively braces for the potential impact of this seismic event.
