Quake in Japan: Four deaths confirmed – tsunami warning lowered

After the severe earthquake in western Japan, the extent of the damage is not yet clear. At least four people were killed. Many areas are difficult to reach. The warning for severe tidal waves has now been downgraded.

At least four people have died in the severe series of earthquakes in Japan. There are four confirmed deaths, the Japanese news agency Kyodo reported early this morning (local time), citing the authorities in Ishikawa Prefecture. The prefecture in the west of the main island of Honshu was hit by a magnitude 7.6 earthquake.

On New Year’s Day, Ishikawa Prefecture in the west of the country and neighboring prefectures were shaken by a series of severe earthquakes. According to the Japanese Meteorological Agency, the most severe earthquake had a magnitude of 7.6 – a total of more than 50 other less strong quakes were registered. The US Earthquake Monitoring Service (USGS) classified the quake as the largest in the region in four decades.

Tsunami warning gradually downgraded

The tremors caused by the earthquake caused houses to shake even in the capital Tokyo. However, the epicenter was much further west around Toyama, Ishikawa and Niigata prefectures.

The responsible Japanese Meteorological Institute (JMA) initially published a so-called major tsunami warning for Ishikawa. Later, this warning was gradually downgraded. According to the new information, waves of up to one meter were now expected. The message “Run!” initially appeared in bright yellow on television screens in affected regions to encourage people to evacuate.

Tens of thousands had to leave their homes

The government said more than 97,000 people in nine prefectures were affected by evacuation orders. According to Hokuriku Electric Power, nearly 32,000 households in Ishikawa remained without power late Monday evening.

The full extent is still unclear. According to Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, the worst-hit areas are difficult for rescue workers to access. Government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi spoke of at least six buildings damaged by the quake and people trapped in them. Bullet trains to Ishikawa were stopped and airlines such as Japan Airlines canceled flights to the region. According to government information, soldiers have been deployed to the affected areas.

The country’s nuclear agency said there were no known problems at the nuclear power plants along the coast. The Shika nuclear power plant, which is closest to the epicenter, shut down its two reactors for regular inspections before the earthquake.

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.

Millions of Japanese traditionally visit temples on New Year’s Day. Images from the popular tourist resort of Kanazawa in Ishikawa showed debris from a collapsed gate at a shrine. The tremors were also felt in the ski resorts in Nagano.