TOKYO, Japan – A strong 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck the western region of Japan on New Year’s Day, resulting in the deaths of at least six people and injuring numerous others. The quake, which hit about 26 miles northeast of Anamizu in Ishikawa prefecture, caused significant damage to roads and buildings and left 45,000 homes without power. While tsunami warnings were issued as far as eastern Russia, they were eventually downgraded to advisories and later canceled.
The Japan Meteorological Agency warned of more than 140 aftershocks, with the possibility of strong tremors continuing for several days. As a precaution, over 97,000 people were evacuated from their homes on the night of the earthquake.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida emphasized the urgency in rescuing those trapped in collapsed buildings and assessing the damage caused by the earthquake. He also urged residents in affected areas to prioritize their personal safety and pay close attention to the latest information.
Reports indicated that six people were confirmed dead in Ishikawa, with over 30 reported injuries in four other prefectures. Additionally, more than a dozen deaths were reported by local media. The quake also shook buildings in central Tokyo, resulting in two people being found with no vital signs.
This New Year’s Day quake marked the first time Japan has issued a major tsunami warning since the devastating 2011 earthquake that struck Tohoku. Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako canceled their New Year’s celebration as a result, and Kishida postponed his New Year visit to Isle Shrine.
U.S. President Joe Biden issued a statement of support, expressing his administration’s readiness to provide any necessary assistance to the Japanese people in the aftermath of the earthquake. The president also highlighted the deep bond of friendship between the United States and Japan.
As Japan grapples with the aftermath of the quake, the country’s nuclear authority reported no risk of radioactivity leaking from nuclear power plants in the affected areas. Japan sits in the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, making it susceptible to constant earthquake threats, which has led the country to develop an advanced tsunami warning system.