In a startling turn of events, a powerful earthquake measuring 7.6 on the Richter scale has struck north-central Japan, leading to the confirmation of at least four casualties. The Japan Meteorological Agency swiftly responded by issuing a tsunami warning for the coastal regions of Ishikawa, Niigata, and Toyama prefectures.
The seismic activity, which occurred on Monday afternoon, resulted in significant damage, with reports indicating that a torii gate at a shrine in Kanazawa, Ishikawa prefecture, suffered substantial destruction. The Japan Meteorological Agency reported the quake hitting Ishikawa and nearby prefectures, with one measuring a preliminary magnitude of 7.4.
Waves exceeding 1 meter in height battered the coast of Wajima City in Ishikawa Prefecture, according to NHK. Urgent warnings were broadcasted on NHK TV, cautioning residents about the potential for water torrents reaching as high as 5 meters (16.5 feet). People were urged to evacuate to higher ground or the top of nearby buildings as a precautionary measure.
As the situation unfolds, there are no immediate reports of losses, but the severity of the earthquake and subsequent tsunami warnings have stirred memories of Japan’s tragic past. The nation still bears the scars of the devastating 9.0-magnitude undersea quake in March 2011, which triggered a tsunami claiming the lives of approximately 18,500 people.
More recently, in March 2022, a 7.4-magnitude earthquake off the coast of Fukushima shook large areas of eastern Japan, resulting in the loss of three lives. These events underscore the constant threat of seismic activity in the region, with Tokyo itself having experienced devastating earthquakes, such as the catastrophic quake in 1923. The situation is evolving rapidly, and authorities are closely monitoring developments to ensure the safety of the affected regions.