TOKYO: A major earthquake with a magnitude of 7.6 struck the Noto region in Ishikawa prefecture, central Japan, triggering tsunami waves over a meter high and leaving more than 33,000 households without power. The series of powerful earthquakes, totaling 21 quakes with a magnitude of 4.0 or stronger in just over 90 minutes, has caused significant damage, prompting urgent calls for residents to evacuate to higher ground.
The US Geological Survey (USGS) reported the initial 7.6 magnitude quake around 4:10 pm (0710 GMT). The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) recorded tsunami waves as high as 1.2 meters hitting Wajima port in Ishikawa prefecture at 4:21 pm (0721 GMT), about 10 minutes after the strongest jolt.
National broadcaster NHK issued a directive for all residents to evacuate immediately to higher ground. Hazardous tsunami waves were possible within 300 kilometers (190 miles) of the earthquake’s epicenter along the Sea coast, according to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center.
The JMA warned of a much higher tsunami, reaching up to five meters in Noto and the surrounding region. The Japanese government is still assessing the extent of the damage and whether there are any casualties.
Damage to Houses After Major Quake in Japan
Local utilities reported that around 33,500 households in Toyama, Ishikawa, and Niigata prefectures were without power. Television reports showed a building on fire in Wajima city, while social media shared videos of collapsed wooden houses in the Matsunami district of Noto.
Sakhalin island and Vladivostok in Russia’s far east were put on alert due to a possible tsunami risk following the earthquakes in Japan.
The Noto region experienced a rapid succession of quakes, with another 6.2 tremor hitting soon after the initial swarm, as reported by the USGS. Urgent calls for evacuation were made by broadcasters, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing lives over belongings.
Major highways around the epicenter were closed, and Shinkansen bullet train services were suspended between Tokyo and Noto. Government spokesperson Yoshimasa Hayashi reassured that there were no abnormalities reported at the Shika nuclear power plant in Ishikawa or other plants.
