TOKYO: The tsunami threat stemming from a powerful earthquake that struck central Japan on Monday has “largely passed,” according to the Hawaii-based Pacific Tsunami Warning Center. This statement followed earlier reports of waves exceeding one meter in some coastal areas.
The earthquake, with a preliminary magnitude of 7.6, prompted evacuation warnings for residents in affected coastal zones, causing power outages for thousands of homes and disrupting transportation services. The quake triggered waves of about 1 meter along Japan’s west coast and in South Korea, with authorities cautioning that larger waves could follow.
Initially, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued tsunami warnings for Ishikawa, Niigata, and Toyama prefectures. A major tsunami warning, the first since the devastating 2011 earthquake and tsunami, was initially declared for Ishikawa but later downgraded.
Russia and North Korea also issued tsunami warnings for specific areas in response to the earthquake.
The seismic event resulted in damaged homes, fires, and a significant mobilization of military personnel for rescue operations, as reported by government spokesperson Yoshimasa Hayashi. Authorities are still assessing the extent of the damage.
Earthquake Aftershocks in Japan
The JMA official, Toshihiro Shimoyama, cautioned that more strong earthquakes could occur in the region over the coming days, given the heightened seismic activity observed over the past three years.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida urged residents in tsunami-affected areas to evacuate promptly and prepare for potential disasters. Images from affected areas depict collapsed buildings, a major blaze in Wajima, and a cracked road in the city.
Over 36,000 households experienced power outages in Ishikawa and Toyama prefectures, with additional disruptions reported in phone and internet services. The transport sector faced significant challenges, with train lines, high-speed rail services, and expressways either halted or closed.
The extent of injuries and casualties remains unclear, though reports mention at least two unconscious persons recovered from quake debris in Ishikawa prefecture. Rescue and recovery efforts are ongoing, with the situation unfolding in the aftermath of the earthquake.
