A major earthquake of magnitude 7.6 struck off the west coast of Japan’s Noto Peninsula on Monday, January 1st, 2024, at 4:10 PM local time (5:10 AM UTC). The temblor, with a depth of just 10 kilometers (6 miles), sent tremors across the region and triggered tsunami warnings along coastal areas of western Japan. The death toll so far stands at 30 but the damage may be widespread.
Immediate Response and Evacuations:
The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami warning for coastal areas in Ishikawa, Toyama, Niigata, and Fukui prefectures, urging residents to evacuate to higher ground.
Evacuation orders were issued for over 2 million people, and emergency broadcasts alerted residents to the potential danger.
Footage on social media showed violent shaking, with objects falling from shelves and people running for cover.
Tsunami Impact:
The first tsunami waves, reaching at least 1.2 meters (4 feet) in height, hit the coast of Ishikawa prefecture within 10 minutes of the earthquake.
Smaller tsunamis were reported along other stretches of the coastline, prompting continued warnings and caution.
Thankfully, no major damage or casualties have been reported as of yet.
Aftershocks and Ongoing Situation:
Numerous aftershocks, some exceeding magnitude 5, have been recorded following the main quake, raising concerns about further tremors and potential damage.
Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and follow instructions from local officials.
Damage assessment is ongoing, with rescue teams deployed to affected areas to search for any potential casualties.
International Support:
The international community has expressed support for Japan, with offers of assistance pouring in from various countries.
Disaster relief organizations are mobilizing resources to aid in rescue and recovery efforts.
While the full impact of the earthquake is still unfolding, the prompt response and preparedness measures put in place by Japan helped minimize the potential for widespread damage and loss of life. The coming hours and days will be crucial in assessing the situation and providing necessary support to affected communities.
It is important to stay informed and follow updates from official sources for the latest developments. Remember, safety remains the top priority, and adhering to evacuation orders and instructions from local authorities is vital during such situations.
This news article is intended to provide factual and timely information about the earthquake in Japan. It is not meant to sensationalize the event or cause undue panic.
