Japan Faces Tsunami Threat Following Powerful Earthquake

Japan issued multiple tsunami warnings today as a powerful earthquake, with a preliminary magnitude of 7.6, struck the west coast. The Japan Meteorological Agency raised a major tsunami alert for Ishikawa prefecture, recalling the devastating 2011 tsunami that affected Fukushima. Evacuations and blackouts ensued during New Year celebrations.

The tsunami, expected to reach up to five meters, prompted lower-level warnings for neighboring coastal prefectures. Waves of around one meter were already reported along the Sea of Japan coast. The earthquake affected nuclear power plants, including Tokyo Electric Power’s facility in Niigata, but no abnormal radioactivity levels were detected.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida urged immediate evacuation in affected regions, emphasizing ongoing assessments of earthquake damage. Over 32,000 homes lost power, and TV footage showed fires and collapsed buildings in Wajima city, Ishikawa. Bullet trains, flights, and mobile networks faced disruptions.

As of 6 pm, rescue operations were underway, with at least six homes damaged and uncertain numbers of casualties. South Korea’s eastern Gangwon province also issued evacuation warnings due to rising sea levels caused by the tsunami.

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