Devastating Earthquake Strikes Japan’s Ishikawa Prefecture: At Least Four Dead, Homes Damaged, and Tsunami Threat

On New Year’s Day, a powerful 7.6-magnitude earthquake struck the Noto area of Ishikawa, Japan, killing four people and causing widespread destruction. The seismic activity, which was part of over 50 quakes that shook the region, prompted evacuations and unleashed tsunami waves of up to one meter in height.

The earthquake, which struck at 4:10 p.m. local time, caused chaos and fear, prompting Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to urge residents in danger zones to seek higher ground. Television broadcasts were paused to emphasize the gravity of the situation, emphasizing the importance of putting lives ahead of possessions.

Tsunami waves up to 1.2 meters high battered Wajima port, with smaller tsunamis reported as far away as Hokkaido. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a “large tsunami” warning of up to five meters, which was later reduced to three meters, while the US Pacific Tsunami Warning Center indicated that the major threat had passed.

The aftermath revealed a major fire in Wajima, engulfing houses and forcing evacuations. Rescue efforts were hampered by damaged roads and obstacles, and there were reports of people injured and trapped in collapsed buildings.

The videos and images circulating on social media depicted the devastation, with wooden houses crumbling and pleas for help from affected areas. Tsunami warnings were issued for Sakhalin Island and Vladivostok in Russia’s far east.

BOOM … ITS HAPPENING. JAPAN FIRST. pic.twitter.com/QpPrH0ek72

— Q ™️ (@QTHESTORMM) January 1, 2024

If you stand with the people of Japan , during this tough time in which they are experiencing a Tsunami and earthquake ; U wont pass without liking this tweet ❤

May God protect the children mothers & people of Japan from the Tsunami 💕

Prayers 🙏😢#Japan #earthquake #Japan pic.twitter.com/A3lF7EF854

— Ramsa Chaudhary (@Ramkishor_jaat_) January 1, 2024

I stand with the people of Japan
I hope the situation will get better as soon as possible#Japan #earthquake #Tsunami pic.twitter.com/xt0iLQeIcF

— Sidra 🫀 (@iamsidraaaaa) January 1, 2024

Effect of the earthquake that hit Central Japan today: roads cracking and pavements rising.

[📹 mmmin726]https://t.co/TE1PAB3Qbc

— Massimo (@Rainmaker1973) January 1, 2024

JUST IN: Japan rocked by 7.5 magnitude earthquake just as the 2024 year begins.

Within 90 minutes of the initial earthquake, 19 other aftershocks were recorded according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.

Unfortunately, the damage may not be done. Japan is warning coastal… pic.twitter.com/8aUnrqZcTy

— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) January 1, 2024

Highway closures around the epicenter occurred, as did the suspension of Shinkansen bullet train services between Tokyo and Noto. Power outages affected approximately 33,500 households in the prefectures of Toyama, Ishikawa, and Niigata.

While Japan, which is used to frequent earthquakes, has strict building regulations in place, this event serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of seismic activity. The nation is still grappling with the devastation of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, emphasizing the ongoing need for disaster preparedness.