Unprecedented earthquake and tsunami threat in Japan: Urgent evacuations underway

Central Japan was hit by a powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake on Monday, the highest level on the Japanese scale, triggering a major tsunami warning for the western coast. The warning, which included a rare major tsunami alert for Ishikawa’s Noto Peninsula, saw waves over 1.2 meters hitting Wajima Port.

Widespread Tsunami Threat Across Japan

Tsunami warnings of up to 3 meters were issued along the Sea of Japan coast, stretching from Hokkaido to Nagasaki. Following the initial quake, several aftershocks intensified fears, with predictions of waves as high as 5 meters. The Noto area alone experienced seven earthquakes by 5 p.m., with a total of 11 across Japan.

Nuclear Plants on High Alert

In response, Tepco, the nuclear plant operator, initiated checks for any impacts on its facilities, particularly the Kashiwazaki plant in Niigata Prefecture. As of the latest reports, no irregularities were detected.

Unprecedented Disaster Strikes on New Year’s Day

The quake, striking on New Year’s Day, was felt as far as Tokyo and across the Kanto area. Jordan Allen, a news editor at The Japan Times, recounted his experience in eastern Toyama Prefecture, describing it as unlike anything he had felt in his nine years in Japan.

Widespread Impact and Evacuation Efforts

The impact of the earthquake was immediate, with tsunami warnings prompting urgent evacuations in affected prefectures. Allen reported the chaos in his home, with drinking glasses and other items falling and breaking, though no serious damage was confirmed in his immediate vicinity.