“Alert: Strong Earthquake in Central Japan Prompts Tsunami Warning!”

TOKYO: A strong earthquake, initially measured at 7.6 magnitude, shook central Japan on Monday (Jan 1), leading to a tsunami warning and advisories urging residents to move to safer areas.

A tsunami, about 1 meter high, affected some coastal areas along the Sea of Japan, and a larger wave was expected, as reported by public broadcaster NHK.

Following the quake that struck the Noto region in Ishikawa prefecture at around 4:10 pm (0710 GMT), NHK emphasized, “All residents must evacuate immediately to higher ground.”

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued tsunami warnings for Ishikawa, Niigata, and Toyama prefectures.

US and Japanese agencies mentioned the possibility of hazardous tsunami waves, reaching up to 5 meters along the north coast of central Japan within 300 km of the quake’s epicenter.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, based in Hawaii, alerted, “Hazardous tsunami waves from this earthquake are possible within 300 km of the epicenter along the coasts of Japan.” Meanwhile, JMA cautioned that the waves could reach heights of up to 5 meters.

Hokuriku Electric Power reported checking for irregularities at its nuclear power plants, according to NHK.

A spokesperson from Kansai Electric Power assured that there were no abnormalities at their nuclear power plants at the moment but emphasized ongoing monitoring of the situation.

Remembering the devastating earthquake and tsunami that struck northeastern Japan on March 11, 2011, causing significant damage and nuclear meltdowns in Fukushima.

A strong earthquake hit central Japan, causing a tsunami warning and advisories for people to move to safer places. The tsunami, around 1 meter high, affected some coastal areas, with a larger wave expected.

After the earthquake in Ishikawa prefecture, NHK urged everyone to evacuate to higher ground. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued tsunami warnings for several prefectures.

US and Japanese agencies warned of hazardous tsunami waves, up to 5 meters high, along the north coast of central Japan within 300 km of the earthquake’s epicenter.

Hokuriku Electric Power is checking its nuclear power plants, and Kansai Electric Power assured no issues currently but is closely monitoring the situation.

Remembering the devastating 2011 earthquake and tsunami in northeastern Japan that caused significant damage and nuclear issues in Fukushima.