Japan experienced a powerful 7.6 magnitude earthquake, leading to warnings for Ishikawa and the entire western coast. Major highways near the quake’s center are closed.
The Japan Meteorological Agency reported 21 earthquakes above 4.0 magnitude in 90 minutes on January 1.
Tsunami warnings were issued for Ishikawa and lower-level advisories for the rest of Honshu’s western coast. Over 36,920 households lost power.
A 4-foot tsunami hit Wajima, 300 km from Tokyo, prompting NHK to urge evacuation to higher ground. A 10-foot tsunami was expected in Niigata and other western coast prefectures.
Bullet train services were halted in central and eastern Japan. The quake affected Tokyo, and nuclear plant operations are being checked.
In 2011, Japan faced a devastating quake and tsunami, causing casualties and damaging the Fukushima Dai-Ichi nuclear plant.
South Korea’s coastal towns were advised to monitor sea levels for potential changes. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center alerted North Korea and Russia’s far eastern region.
Russia’s emergencies ministry warned of a tsunami threat to part of Sakhalin island, initiating evacuations.