Intense Earthquake in Japan, Prompts Evacuation Order for Nearly 100,000 Residents
Earthquake in Japan: A robust seismic event shook central Japan on Monday, claiming at least one life, causing structural devastation, disrupting power to tens of thousands of residences, and compelling residents in certain coastal regions to seek refuge at higher elevations.
The earthquake, with an initial magnitude of 7.6, generated approximately 1-meter waves along the west coast of Japan and neighboring South Korea. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) promptly issued a significant tsunami warning – the first since the catastrophic March 2011 earthquake and tsunami that ravaged northeast Japan, resulting in the loss of nearly 20,000 lives – specifically for Ishikawa prefecture. The warning was later downgraded and eventually reduced to an advisory.
This seismic event marked the most potent quake in the region in over four decades, as per the U.S. Geological Survey. Houses were demolished, fires erupted, and military personnel were deployed to assist in rescue operations, according to government spokesperson Yoshimasa Hayashi.
- Major tsunami warning issued, later reduced to advisory
- Hundreds of houses destroyed
- More than 10000 of homes without power overnight
- A man reported dead after building collapses
Tragically, an elderly man lost his life when a building collapsed in Shika Town in Ishikawa, reported broadcaster NTV, citing local police. Media footage from the prefecture depicted a building crumbling in Suzu city, accompanied by a plume of dust, and a substantial crack in a Wajima road where distressed parents clung to their children.
A witness on the social media platform X shared footage of the Keta Grand Shrine near the Hakui coast swaying during the quake, eliciting fear from onlookers. The tremor disrupted the traditional New Year’s visits to shrines and temples by millions of Japanese.
In Kanazawa, a renowned tourist destination, images revealed the remnants of a shattered stone gate strewn at the entrance of another shrine as concerned worshippers observed. The quake’s impact extended to the mountains of neighboring Nagano prefecture, where Taiwanese tourist Jonny Wu described a scene of panic, with falling snow from electric wires and roofs causing cars to shake.
Considering the simmering seismic activity in the region over the past three years, JMA official Toshihiro Shimoyama warned of the potential for additional strong quakes in the coming days. Russia and North Korea also issued tsunami warnings for specific areas.
As of Monday night, the Japanese government had directed over 97,000 individuals in nine prefectures along the western coast of Honshu, Japan’s main island, to evacuate. These evacuees were slated to spend the night in sports halls and school gymnasiums, commonly utilized as emergency evacuation centers.