Updates:-
Table of Contents
A significant earthquake in Japan has left at least 55 confirmed dead, with the seismic activity continuing to rattle the region. Over the past few days, Japan has experienced a total of 155 earthquakes, including a powerful 7.6-magnitude tremor and multiple others exceeding a magnitude of 6, as reported by the Japan Meteorological Office (JMA). Despite a gradual decrease in seismic intensity, six substantial tremors were still felt early on Tuesday, according to JMA updates.
The powerful earthquake resulted in 12 confirmed deaths, prompting concerns and evacuation advisories due to potential tsunamis. While the tsunami threat has been largely deemed over by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center based in Hawaii, earlier reports indicated waves exceeding one meter in height. The affected areas, primarily central and western Japan, experienced evacuation advisories, power outages in numerous households, and disruptions to flights and rail services. Initially registering a magnitude of 7.6, the quake generated approximately one-meter waves along parts of the Sea of Japan coast, with expectations of larger waves, as reported by NHK, a public broadcaster.
Tsunami alerts were issued for coastal prefectures, including Ishikawa, Niigata, and Toyama, by the Japan Meteorological Agency. Russia also issued tsunami warnings for its far eastern cities of Vladivostok and Nakhodka.
Authorities are currently assessing the damage, and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida urged residents to remain vigilant for potential aftershocks. NHK footage revealed a building collapse in Suzu, while residents in Kanazawa sought shelter under tables during the tremors. The quake’s impact extended to Tokyo, where buildings experienced shaking.
Over 36,000 households lost power in Ishikawa and Toyama prefectures, with high-speed rail services to Ishikawa suspended. Telecom operators Softbank and KDDI reported disruptions in phone and internet services in Ishikawa and Niigata.
Japanese airlines, including ANA and Japan Airlines, adjusted flight plans and canceled services to affected regions. Despite the seismic activity, Japan’s Nuclear Regulation Authority confirmed no irregularities at nuclear power plants along the Sea of Japan. The incident, reminiscent of the devastating March 11, 2011, earthquake and tsunami, serves as a stark reminder of Japan’s susceptibility to natural disasters, with that tragic event claiming nearly 20,000 lives and causing widespread destruction.
Wrap up: Here is everything you need to know
- Death toll rises to 55
- Japan Meteorological Agency predicts possibility of another earthquake next week
- Earthquake with intensity of upper 5 on Japan’s earthquake scale hits Ishikawa
- World leaders offer condolences
- Japan lifts all tsunami warnings
Japan Earthquake Live Updates: Many feared trapped in freezing cold
Japan Earthquake Live Updates: A powerful earthquake that hit Japan on New Year’s Day killed at least 48 people, with rescue teams struggling in freezing temperatures on Tuesday to reach isolated areas where many people are feared trapped under toppled buildings.In Suzu, a coastal town of just over 5,000 households near the quake’s epicentre, 90% of houses may have been destroyed, according to its mayor Masuhiro Izumiya.
