Japan experienced strong earthquakes, triggering tsunami waves as high as five feet, causing authorities to issue tsunami warnings and evacuation advisories for the northwestern coast. The earthquake hit Ishikawa and nearby prefectures, with a preliminary magnitude of 7.6, and tsunami waves were predicted within 300 kilometers of the epicenter in Noto, Ishikawa, according to local weather agencies.
The earthquake began at 4:06 pm (local time) with a magnitude of 5.7, followed by several other quakes at 4:10 pm (local time), 4:18 pm (local time), 4.5 pm (local time), 4.6 pm (local time), and 4.8 pm (local time).
Tsunami Alert! Persons evacuated
Following the tsunami warning, waves as high as five meters struck the shore of Noto in Ishikawa, prompting people to flee coastal regions and seek higher ground or structures, as reported by Japanese public broadcaster NHK. Up to 21 earthquakes with a magnitude of 4.0 were detected, according to the local meteorological office, according to the AFP news agency.
The Japan Times reported that the JMA issued a warning, stating that anybody who experienced a tsunami of more than one meter was “highly likely to be unable to stand, with the possibility of death.” Ishikawa, Niigata, and Toyama prefectures’ western coastlines were the subject of tsunami warnings from the JMA, according to CNN. According to NHK, waves up to three meters high were observed in other prefectures, like as Niigata and Toyama.
In other social media videos, individuals could be seen running for protection behind tables and chairs as buildings began to tremble violently, and massive tsunami waves threatened to submerge coastal regions.
Updates on the Japan earthquake: Four fatalities confirmed
According to Ishikawa Prefectural officials cited by Reuters, a strong 7.6-magnitude earthquake in Japan has resulted in four confirmed deaths. The waves caused 1-meter waves to break along the country’s west coast and in neighboring South Korea.
The Prime Minister, Kishida, has emphasized the time-consuming nature of the search and rescue efforts in the Noto peninsula. He noted that accessing the northern tip of the peninsula has been challenging due to numerous fires and extensive damage to buildings and infrastructure. With around 120 people awaiting rescue, authorities are struggling to assess the full extent of the fallout.
