Multiple Earthquakes Strike Central Japan, Prompting Tsunami Warnings and Evacuations
In a span of just over 90 minutes, central Japan has been rocked by a powerful series of earthquakes, no less than 21 in total each measuring 4.0 or higher. This information is according to the Japan Meteorological Agency!
The strongest of them earthquakes was a 7.6, and major highways around the earthquake epicenter had to be closed down and and the Shinkansen bullet train services suspended between Tokyo and the Noto region in Ishikawa prefecture.
Due to this major seismic activity, approximately 33,500 households in the Toyama, Ishikawa, and Niigata prefectures on the Sea of Japan side of Honshu sadly found themselves left with no power. Following these earthquakes, ripples are being felt internationally with Russia announcing a tsunami warning in Vladivostok and Nakhodka. Even emergency services on Sakhalin island are urging caution along its western coast.
Responding to these alarming earthquakes, Japan had to issue tsunami alerts, particularly for Ishikawa, urging residents to evacuate coastal areas. The Japan Meteorological Agency even put out a warning of possible tsunami waves that could be as high as 5 meters (16.5 feet). Government spokesperson Yoshimasa Hayashi highlighted the importance of swift evacuation and saying, “Every minute counts, Please evacuate to an immediate safe area.”
Now while there have been no reported irregularities at nuclear plants in the affected area, the Meteorological Agency warns of the potential for even more major earthquakes in the coming week, with a heightened risk of fires and landslides. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida prompted residents to prepare for the future tremors as authorities examine the extent of the damages.
South Korea’s Gangwon province was not spared as they too issued warnings, and a tsunami wave of 0.45 meters already reached the east coast of Mukho. Residents in the city of Samcheok were advised to move to higher areas, focusing on the possibility of waves continuing for up to 24 hours.
Videos shared on social media depicts the intensity of these terrible earthquakes, buildings shaking violently and tsunami waves threatening coastal areas. This impact, includes collapsed buildings in Suzu and residents in Kanazawa seeking refuge under tables while the tremors raged on.
Japan, a country prone to earthquakes, last experienced a major quake and tsunami back in March 2011, and resulted in meltdowns at a nuclear plant in Fukushima and the loss of an estimated 18,400 precious lives.
The recent series of earthquakes began quite suddenly with a 5.7 magnitude earthquake at 4:06 pm, Followed by a 7.6-magnitude earthquake at precisely 4:10 pm, subsequent quakes came with magnitudes ranging from 6.1 to 4.8. The US Geological Survey reported additional seismic activities including a 6.2 magnitude earthquake.
As the situation continues to develop. Japan braces for potential tsunami waves urging residents to prioritize their safety and evacuate to higher ground.
