TOKYO, JAPAN – A devastating 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck the western region of Japan on New Year’s Day, causing widespread destruction and claiming the lives of at least six people. The quake also left dozens of individuals injured and prompted a massive evacuation from affected areas.
The earthquake hit 26 miles northeast of Anamizu in Ishikawa prefecture, along the Noto Peninsula, damaging roads, buildings, and cutting off power to 45,000 homes. Tsunami warnings issued to eastern Russia were eventually downgraded to advisories and then completely canceled Tuesday morning.
More than 140 aftershocks were recorded following the initial earthquake, prompting further concerns as Japan’s Meteorological Agency warned of the potential for strong tremors to continue for days. Over 97,000 people were evacuated from their homes as a precautionary measure.
Local authorities initially warned of potential tsunami waves as high as 10 feet along the Sea of Japan coast, but these warnings were later downgraded and subsequently canceled. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida emphasized the urgent need for rescue efforts and damage assessment in the wake of the earthquake.
The earthquake caused significant damage in central Japan and claimed the life of an elderly man who was rescued from a collapsed house. Additionally, two people were found showing no vital signs, and reports of more than a dozen confirmed deaths have surfaced. The tremors also impacted the capital of Tokyo and led to several residents being trapped under collapsed houses in the affected regions.
The earthquake marked the first major tsunami warning Japan has issued since the devastating 2011 quake in the Tohoku region. Despite the destruction, Japan’s earthquake early-warning system demonstrated its effectiveness, alerting and evacuating thousands of residents and saving many lives.
As the nation of Japan continues to recover from the aftermath of this disaster, our thoughts are with the victims and their families during this difficult time. It serves as a stark reminder of the constant threat of earthquakes and the importance of remaining vigilant and prepared in the face of such natural disasters.