In a series of major earthquakes on Monday, Japan issued its highest-level tsunami alert, urging residents of coastal areas to stay away from their homes due to the potential threat of deadly waves.
Although the highest-level alert was later lifted, caution persisted as the Japan Meteorological Agency warned of the possibility of continued aftershocks and waves.
Lingering Caution
The earthquakes, the largest measuring a magnitude of 7.6, struck the west coast of Japan’s main island, Honshu, causing fires and building collapses. The extent of casualties and injuries remained unclear, with the government grappling to assess the full impact.
The Japan Meteorological Agency reported over a dozen strong quakes in the Japan Sea off the coast of Ishikawa and nearby prefectures, starting shortly after 4 pm local time. At least six homes were damaged, trapping people inside, and a fire broke out in Wajima city, Ishikawa Prefecture, leaving over 30,000 households without electricity.
Initially, the meteorological agency issued a major tsunami warning for Ishikawa and lower-level warnings for the rest of the western coast of Honshu, as well as the northernmost island, Hokkaido. Government spokesperson Yoshimasa Hayashi emphasized the critical need for coastal residents to evacuate immediately.
While the tsunami warning was later downgraded to a regular tsunami, with the potential for waves up to three meters (10 feet), authorities remained vigilant about the risk of aftershocks in the coming days. NHK TV had initially warned of torrents reaching as high as five meters (16.5 feet), continuing to air warnings as aftershocks rattled the region.
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Japan Issues High-Level Tsunami Alert Following Major Earthquakes
Evacuated residents faced challenges returning to their homes, as the risk of secondary waves remained. The situation prompted evacuees to seek refuge in stadiums, where they might have to stay for several days.
Japanese media depicted chaotic scenes, with people running through streets and fires erupting in residential neighborhoods. Minor injuries were reported due to tripping and falling during the evacuation, as well as objects falling off shelves.
As rescue efforts unfolded, Japan’s military played a role in assisting affected areas. Bullet trains were temporarily halted, and sections of a highway closed, while mobile phone services in the region experienced disruptions.
The Meteorological Agency warned of the potential for more major quakes in the region, heightening the risk of landslides and further building collapses. The Japanese government set up a special emergency center to gather and relay information promptly, prioritizing the safety of residents.
Tsunami warnings extended beyond Japan, reaching parts of North Korea and Russia. The United States, through President Joe Biden, expressed readiness to provide any necessary assistance to Japan.
While Japan is accustomed to seismic activity, a tsunami warning of this magnitude had not been issued since the devastating earthquake and tsunami in March 2011, which led to nuclear plant meltdowns. As of now, no irregularities were reported at nuclear plants in the affected area, and radiation levels remained stable, according to government officials.
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