It brought back bad memories of the disaster of 2011: Japan was again hit by earthquakes and tsunami waves. This time the consequences are apparently less drastic – authorities are still not giving the all-clear.
After the series of earthquakes in Japan, the highest tsunami warning level has been downgraded again. However, tsunamis are still being recorded, said the JMA Meteorological Institute. Residents of coastal areas were therefore warned not to return to their homes. There could still be a threat of waves up to three meters high.
Several tremors were previously reported off the coast of Ishikawa Prefecture in the west of the country and in neighboring prefectures. The full extent is still unclear. According to Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, the worst-hit areas are difficult for rescue workers to access. So far, two people have been found without signs of life in Nanao on the badly affected Noto peninsula on the west coast, Japanese television station NHK reported. The death has not yet been officially confirmed. According to local media reports, several people suffered injuries.
The earthquake also caused a power outage in around 33,500 households. There were road closures and train services were canceled. Government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi spoke of at least six buildings damaged by the quake and people trapped in them.
Magnitude of 7.6
According to the authorities, the quake occurred around 4:10 p.m. (local time, 8:10 a.m. CET) and had a magnitude of 7.6. The US Earthquake Observatory USGS gave the magnitude as 7.5.
Residents of the affected areas were then urged on Japanese radio stations to immediately seek safety in higher areas.
Memories of 2011
The quake brought back memories of the 2011 disaster. At that time, the Japanese east coast was hit by a magnitude 9.0 earthquake and a tsunami. The tsunami also hit the Fukushima nuclear power plant, causing massive explosions and meltdowns in three reactors.
This time, according to preliminary government information, the operation of nuclear power plants in Japan was not affected by the earthquakes and tidal waves. Japan lies on the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, where tectonic plates collide. Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions often occur in this area. That’s why strict building regulations apply in Japan and earthquake drills take place regularly.
Charlotte Horn, ARD New Delhi, tagesschau, January 1st, 2024 12:48 p.m