TOKYO: Japan has lowered its highest-level tsunami alert, originally issued in response to a series of major earthquakes on Monday. Despite the downgrade, residents of coastal areas are advised not to return to their homes as potential deadly waves could still occur.
The earthquakes, the largest recorded at a magnitude of 7.6, caused fires and building collapses on the west coast of Japan’s main island, Honshu, with the extent of casualties and damage still unclear.
According to the Hawaii-based Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, the tsunami threat stemming from a powerful earthquake that struck central Japan on Monday has “largely passed.”
The Japan Meteorological Agency reported over a dozen quakes in the Japan Sea off the coast of Ishikawa and nearby prefectures shortly after 4 p.m. local time.
Several homes were damaged, with people trapped inside, and a fire broke out in Wajima City, Ishikawa Prefecture. Over 30,000 households experienced power outages.
Initially, a major tsunami warning was issued for Ishikawa, and lower-level warnings or advisories covered the rest of the western coast of Honshu and the northernmost main island, Hokkaido. The warning was later downgraded to a regular tsunami, indicating potential waves up to 3 meters (10 feet). Aftershocks and returning waves were also anticipated.
Russia and North Korea also issued tsunami warnings for specific areas in response to the earthquake.
Government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi urged coastal residents to stay away from oncoming tsunamis, emphasizing the urgency of evacuation. Authorities warned that returning to homes could be dangerous even hours after the initial alert.
Despite initial warnings of waves reaching 5 meters (16.5 feet), the situation evolved with ongoing advisories and aftershocks, prompting authorities to stress the ongoing danger.
Major Earthquake Causes Disruption in Japan
Japanese media captured chaotic scenes of residents running through streets, a fire emitting red smoke in a residential neighborhood, and significant pavement cracks. Some people suffered minor injuries during the evacuation.
Bullet trains and highways in the affected area were halted, and cell phone services faced disruptions. Rescue efforts involving Japan’s military were initiated.
The Meteorological Agency highlighted the potential for more major quakes in the region over the next week, with concerns about landslides and building collapses. The agency urged residents to stay vigilant, emphasizing the heightened risk in the next two or three days.
Japan, prone to seismic activity, experienced a major quake and tsunami in March 2011, causing nuclear plant meltdowns. While nuclear plants in the affected area reported no irregularities, this event marks the first time since 2011 that a tsunami warning of this magnitude has been issued.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida assured the establishment of a special emergency center to swiftly gather and relay information to ensure public safety. He urged residents in tsunami-affected areas to evacuate promptly and prepare for potential disasters. Images from affected areas depict collapsed buildings, a major blaze in Wajima, and a cracked road in the city.
Over 36,000 households experienced power outages in Ishikawa and Toyama prefectures, with additional disruptions reported in phone and internet services. The transport sector faced significant challenges, with train lines, high-speed rail services, and expressways either halted or closed.
The extent of injuries and casualties remains unclear, though reports mention at least two unconscious persons recovered from quake debris in Ishikawa prefecture. Rescue and recovery efforts are ongoing, with the situation unfolding in the aftermath of the earthquake.
