Strong earthquake shakes Japan, triggering tsunami warnings
Seismology in Japan: A strong earthquake was recorded
The center of the Japanese archipelago was struck by a powerful earthquake with an estimated magnitude of 7.5. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported the seismic event on Monday, January 1. As a result, Japan installed tsunami warning systems. The hardest hit area was Ishikawa Prefecture, near the epicenter of this tectonic shock. The map released by the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) shows the extent and exact location of the emergency. Even the capital Tokyo felt the seismic waves, as reported by a journalist from Radio France. The JMA also recorded a total of 21 smaller earthquakes, all larger than magnitude 4.
Devastating tsunami potential: alert on north coast
Dangerously high waves, up to five meters high, can be expected on the north coast of central Japan, according to joint forecasts by Japanese and US seismic authorities. Wajima, a port city on the Noto Peninsula, has already recorded waves of 1.2 meters high, according to the JMA.
Move residents to safer places
Government warnings are widely reported in the media, encouraging people to immediately move to higher ground. Broadcaster NHK’s precautionary instructions are clear: prioritize the safety of human lives at the expense of material goods.
Immediate consequences of the earthquake: power outages and road closures
- According to energy companies, around 33,500 homes are currently without electricity.
- According to authorities, there have been no serious disruptions to nuclear infrastructure, including the Shika nuclear power plant, to date.
- On orders from the Japanese transport services, the roads near the epicenter were closed to traffic.
