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| Tsunami threat from Japan quake has 'largely passed', informs US agency |
NEW DELHI: A significant 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck north central Japan on Monday, as reported by public broadcaster NHK. In response, the Japan Meteorological Agency has issued tsunami warnings for the western coastal areas.
Here's what we know so far-
Central Japan rocked by powerful quake
Central Japan was struck by a massive 7.6 magnitude earthquake on Monday, leading to tsunami warnings and urgent evacuation advisories. The quake, which has shaken the region, has raised concerns of potential large waves along the Sea of Japan.
Tsunami hits, larger waves expected
Public broadcaster NHK reported that a tsunami approximately 1 meter high has already hit parts of the coast, with expectations of larger waves to follow.
The Japan Meteorological Agency, responding to the threat, has issued tsunami warnings for the coastal prefectures of Ishikawa, Niigata, and Toyama, urging residents to stay alert and prepared for possible evacuation.
5-metre tsunami waves may hit coastal areas
The potential for significant waves extends along 300 kilometers of the north coast of central Japan, with agencies warning of hazardous tsunami waves reaching up to five meters.
These warnings come from both the Hawaii-based Pacific Tsunami Warning Center and the Japan Meteorological Agency, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.
Total of 21 quakes above 4.0 magnitude hit Japan: Met office
A succession of 21 earthquakes registering 4.0 magnitude or stronger struck central Japan in just over 90 minutes on Monday, the Japan Meteorological Agency said.
The strongest jolt measured 7.6, it said. The quakes prompted tsunami warnings and authorities urged people in the area to move to higher ground.
Power outage
In the wake of the earthquake, Hokuriku Electric Power Company reported more than 36,000 houses experiencing power outages.
Major highways closed
Several major highways were closed around the epicentre of a series of major earthquakes in central Japan, the road operator said.
Shinkansen bullet train services were also suspended between Tokyo and the epicentre in the Noto region in Ishikawa prefecture on the Sea of Japan side of Japan's main island of Honshu, Japan Railways said.
Monitoring nuclear facilities
The company, along with Kansai Electric Power, is closely monitoring the situation, particularly concerning nuclear facilities.
Hokuriku Electric Power has confirmed that it is checking for any irregularities at its nuclear plants, and, reassuringly, the Nuclear Regulation Authority has reported no irregularities at the Shika Nuclear Power Plant in Ishikawa Prefecture following the earthquake.
Residents told to run
Powerful earthquake prompted tsunami warnings and authorities to urge people in the area to move to higher ground.
"All residents must evacuate immediately to higher ground," national broadcaster NHK said after the quake hit the Noto region in Ishikawa prefecture around 4:10 pm (0710 GMT).
Further, Japan downgraded its 'major Tsunami warning' to 'Tsunami warning' for Noto region.
Comparisons to 2011 disaster
This seismic event is reminiscent of the devastating earthquake and tsunami that struck northeastern Japan on March 11, 2011, leading to widespread destruction and nuclear meltdowns in Fukushima. The memory of that disaster is still fresh in the minds of many, adding to the urgency and caution in the current response.
Ongoing monitoring and safety measures
As the situation develops, residents are advised to stay informed through official channels and adhere to any safety instructions issued by authorities. Further updates are expected as agencies continue to assess the situation and respond to the unfolding events.
Russia says Sakhalin island under threat
Russia's emergencies ministry reported that regions along the western coast of Sakhalin Island, located in close proximity to Japan on Russia's Pacific seaboard, were at risk of a tsunami. The state news agency TASS conveyed that local residents were undergoing evacuation measures.
The tsunami threat 'largely passed'
The tsunami threat from the massive earthquake has "largely passed," according to a US agency, after waves up to a metre high impacted certain locations earlier. "The tsunami threat has now largely passed," said the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Hawaii.
South Korea's Gangwon province asks residents to evacuate
After Japan earthquake, South Korea's Gangwon province warned its residents to take precautions and evacuate to higher grounds.
North Korea issues tsunami warnings
After the major earthquake that struck north central Japan North Korea issued tsunami warnings for its east coast, stating waves of up to 2.08 meters (6.8 ft) could reach its shore, according to Yonhap news, quoting the North's state radio
