On Monday, central Japan experienced a formidable earthquake, resulting in loss of life, structural damage, power outages, and coastal evacuations. The seismic event measured approximately 7.6 on the Richter scale, generating one-meter waves along the western coast of Japan and reaching neighboring South Korea. Authorities warned of potential larger waves.
The Japan Meteorological Agency issued tsunami warnings for Ishikawa, Niigata, and Toyama prefectures. Initially significant, the tsunami warning for Ishikawa was later downgraded to an advisory, forecasting waves of up to one meter. The U.S. Geological Survey noted it as the region’s most powerful earthquake in over 40 years.
The Imperial Household Agency canceled Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako’s New Year appearance. Local media captured images of collapsed structures in Suzu and Wajima, including approximately 30 buildings in Wajima’s renowned lacquerware town.
Tokyo, 500 km away, felt the quake. Power outages persisted in Ishikawa, with 32,000 households affected. Telecoms reported disruptions, and transportation saw suspensions in trains, high-speed rail, expressways, and an airport.
Japan’s nuclear industry faced challenges amid the quake. Kashiwazaki-Kariwa’s operational ban was lifted last week. No irregularities were reported at active reactors, and Hokuriku’s Shika plant, closest to the epicenter, had halted reactors for inspection before the quake.
As residents grapple with uncertainties and evacuation orders, the aftermath of this earthquake continues to unfold in Japan’s central region.
