Massive Earthquake Strikes Central Japan

A powerful magnitude-7.6 earthquake has struck Ishikawa Prefecture in central Japan, triggering a tsunami warning for the region and neighboring prefectures. Officials are urging caution and immediate evacuation.

Tsunami Warning and Evacuation Efforts

• The Japan Meteorological Agency downgraded the “major tsunami warning” for Ishikawa Prefecture but maintained a “tsunami warning” for the area and surrounding regions.
• Tsunami advisories have been issued for remaining prefectures along the Japan Sea Coast.
• Coastal residents are instructed to evacuate immediately, seek higher ground, and move away from the coast.

Reports of Damage and Rescue Operations

• Fire department officials report numerous collapsed houses and calls for help from residents trapped underneath in Wajima and Suzu cities, as well as the towns of Anamizu and Noto.
• Rescue operations are underway, but officials are overwhelmed by the volume of distress calls.
• Hospitals in Suzu City and Wajima City are dealing with earthquake-related injuries amid power outages and damaged roads.

Extent of Damage and Evacuation Measures

• Ishikawa Prefecture Police gather information on the quake’s impact, with reports of cracked roads and broken water pipes in Toyama Prefecture.
• Evacuations are occurring in tsunami-warning areas, with residents seeking refuge in city halls and local facilities.
• Power outages affect about 33,000 households in Ishikawa Prefecture, including Wajima City, Noto Town, and Suzu City.

Expert Warnings and Ongoing Risks

• A University of Tokyo professor emeritus, Hirata Naoshi, warns of the possibility of continued strong tremors, posing risks for structures not previously affected.
• Seismic activity in the Noto region has been notable since December 2020, increasing the potential for powerful earthquakes and tsunamis.
• Coastal and riverside residents are advised to stay vigilant and evacuate to safe areas, with ongoing risks of landslides and building collapses.
• The forecast indicates the possibility of intense quakes with an intensity of 7 on the scale for about a week, particularly over the next two or three days.