A strong earthquake hit western Japan on Monday, causing evacuation orders in different areas. People were trapped under collapsed buildings, and electricity was disrupted for tens of thousands in Ishikawa Prefecture, the quake’s epicenter, according to officials and Japan’s public broadcaster.
Initially, tsunami warnings were issued, but later they were downgraded, indicating a lower risk of dangerous waves along the western coastline. Despite the downgrade, people were advised to stay cautious and avoid coastal areas until the advisory was lifted.
The earthquake occurred on the Noto peninsula at around 4:10 p.m. with a magnitude of 7.6 on the Japanese seismic intensity scale, as stated by the Japan Meteorological Agency. The United States Geological Survey reported a magnitude of 7.5. Though powerful, it was not as severe as the devastating 8.9 magnitude earthquake in 2011 that caused a tsunami and a nuclear crisis in Fukushima.
Information on injuries was still being gathered by Japanese authorities. Hospitals, operating on generator power due to electricity outages, received patients, and reports of collapsed buildings led to rescue efforts by the police. Japan’s chief cabinet secretary mentioned cases of people trapped in Ishikawa, but details were not immediately available.
The Japan Meteorological Agency noted the earthquake’s shallow depth, which can make it more dangerous. However, initial reports from Ishikawa Prefecture suggested no major damage to vital facilities.
Initially, a significant tsunami warning was issued for parts of the western coast, with potential waves as high as 16 feet in the Noto Peninsula. The warning was later downgraded, with the expected wave height reduced, but residents were still urged to stay away from coastal areas.
Regarding nuclear concerns, the Nuclear Regulatory Agency reported no abnormalities at monitoring stations in the Shika nuclear power plant. A fire broke out at a transformer there but was extinguished.
The meteorological agency cautioned about possible aftershocks and tsunamis for up to a week, advising residents to remain vigilant for at least two or three days.
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