A series of powerful earthquakes off central Japan’s west coast has caused significant damage to homes, triggered fires, and prompted tsunami warnings. Tens of thousands of residents have been left without power, and authorities are urging people to seek higher ground for their safety.
The Japan Meteorological Agency reported that the Noto region, located on the western side of Japan’s main island of Honshu, experienced a rapid succession of earthquakes, numbering approximately 20 in total. The first earthquake, measuring 5.7 magnitude, struck at 4:06 p.m. local time, followed by a major 7.6-magnitude quake just four minutes later. This was then followed by subsequent tremors, including a 6.1 magnitude quake at 4:18 p.m., a 4.5 magnitude one at 4:23 p.m., a 4.6 magnitude quake at 4:29 p.m., and a 4.8 magnitude quake at 4:32 p.m.
The initial tsunami waves, measuring around 4 feet high, reached Ishikawa prefecture’s Wajima port approximately an hour after the earthquakes struck. A “major tsunami warning” was immediately issued, indicating the potential for waves as high as 16 feet. However, this warning was later downgraded to a tsunami warning, with officials still cautioning people against returning home.
Anticipating waves of up to 10 feet, or 3 meters, the government spokesman, Yoshimasa Hayashi, emphasized the critical importance of coastal residents evacuating to safer areas without delay. He stressed that every minute counts in such situations, as even hours after the initial evacuation warning, people have been tragically swept away and drowned while attempting to retrieve their belongings.
In response to the ongoing threat, authorities have facilitated the evacuation of affected residents to nearby stadiums, where they are expected to remain for several days. These temporary shelters provide a safe space for individuals and families to wait out the potential dangers associated with the earthquakes and subsequent tsunamis.
Government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi said, “Every minute counts. Please evacuate to a safe area immediately.”
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The immediate priority is the safety and well-being of the affected population, with urgent evacuations and tsunami warnings in place. Authorities are urging residents in coastal areas to seek higher ground and avoid returning home until it is deemed safe to do so. The resilience and preparedness of the Japanese people, combined with the ongoing efforts of emergency response teams, will play a crucial role in mitigating the impact of these natural disasters and ensuring the swift recovery of affected communities.
Unfortunately, Japan is no stranger devastation. A huge earthquake and tsunami struck northeast Japan on March 11, 2011. As CBS notes, it devastated a vast swathe of the country’s coastline and triggering nuclear reactor meltdowns in Fukushima.