A massive earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.7 hit Ishikawa in central
Japan today. The heavy earthquake has triggered off advisories and a tsunami warning
whereby residents have been asked to prepare themselves for possible aftershocks
and evacuate areas most likely to be impacted strongly. As per latest updates, a
tsunami around 3 feet high (approx. 1 metre) struck the west coast of Japan, along
the Sea of Japan, with a much bigger wave expected as reported by public
broadcaster NHK.
Evacuation Alert Issued By Authorities
The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued tsunami warnings for Ishikawa, Niigata,
and Toyama, all of which are Japan’s prefectures. “All residents must evacuate
immediately to higher ground,” NHK said after the earthquake hit the Noto region in
Ishikawa prefecture on Monday. It said another earthquake warning had been issued
for Ishikawa.
Tsunami waves of up to 16 feet were possible along the north coast of central Japan
within 300km the earthquake’s epicenter as per US and Japanese agencies said.
A senior government spokesperson said in an emergency news conference that
authorities were still checking the extent of the damage caused and warned residents
to remain prepared for possible further quakes.
Footage aired by NHK appeared to show buildings collapsing in Ishikawa while tremors
shook buildings in the capital Tokyo on the opposite coast.
More than 36,000 households lost power in Ishikawa and Toyama.
Nuclear Plants Safe After Earthquake
Japan’s Nuclear Regulation Authority said no irregularities have been confirmed at
nuclear power plants along the Sea of Japan, including five active reactors at Kansai
Electric Power’s Ohi and Takahama nuclear power plants in Fukui prefecture.
Hokuriku’s Shika plant in Ishikawa, which was located the closest to the quake’s
epicenter had already halted its two reactors before the quake for regular inspection.
and there was no impact from the quake, the agency said.
Adjoining nation South Korea’s meteorological agency said the sea level in some parts
of the Gangwon province on the east coast may rise.
Notably, Japan is one of the countries in the world most prone to risk and damage.
from earthquakes. A huge earthquake and tsunami struck northeastern Japan on March
11, 2011, killing nearly 20,000 people, wiping out entire towns and habitations, and
setting off nuclear meltdowns in Fukushima.
Bengali