Japan on high alert: Massive earthquake hits, tsunami waves expected

In a terrifying start to the New Year, central Japan was rocked by a massive 7.6 magnitude earthquake on Monday, January 1, leading Japanese officials to issue an urgent tsunami warning. Residents were instructed to evacuate immediately to higher ground as the first tsunami wave hit the Japanese shores.

Urgent Evacuation and Tsunami Alert

National broadcaster NHK reported the earthquake striking the Noto region in Ishikawa prefecture around 4:10 pm (0710 GMT), prompting immediate evacuation orders. The Pacific Tsunami Center in Hawaii warned of hazardous tsunami waves within a 300 km radius of the earthquake’s epicenter, while the Japan Meteorological Agency predicted tsunami waves up to five meters high.

Echoes of 2011 Disaster

The situation evokes chilling memories of the 2011 disaster when a 9.0 magnitude earthquake led to a catastrophic tsunami and subsequent nuclear meltdown at the Fukushima nuclear power plant. The possibility of a new tsunami has intensified fears and vigilance across the country.

Nuclear Plants on Alert

In the wake of the quake, Hokuriku Electric Power began checking for irregularities at its nuclear power plants. Additionally, a spokesperson from Kansai Electric Power, quoted by Reuters, stated that although no abnormalities were reported, the company remains on high alert and is closely monitoring the situation.

Government Assurance Amidst Chaos

The Japanese government has reassured the public that no abnormalities have been reported from the country’s nuclear power plants so far, as the nation grapples with the aftermath of this alarming natural calamity.