Japan was jolted by a powerful 7.5 magnitude earthquake striking the Noto region in Ishikawa prefecture, triggering a series of aftershocks and prompting immediate tsunami warnings along the coastline. Authorities have issued urgent evacuation orders as they brace for potential hazardous tsunami waves following the seismic activity.
The quake, which occurred around 4:10 pm local time, unleashed subsequent tremors, causing concerns about the imminent threat of a tsunami. Videos circulating on social media purportedly depict the initial waves of the tsunami hitting Toyama city in Toyama Prefecture.
The Japan Meteorological Agency reported waves of approximately 1.2 meters hitting Wajima port in Ishikawa prefecture, while the US Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed the seismic events. The USGS documented a rapid sequence of quakes in the Noto region, beginning with a 5.7 magnitude tremor at 4:06 pm, followed swiftly by a staggering 7.6-magnitude quake at 4:10 pm, which was the epicenter of the unfolding crisis.
The seismic activity continued with a series of tremors: a 6.1 magnitude quake at 4:18 pm, a 4.5 magnitude tremor at 4:23 pm, a 4.6 magnitude quake at 4:29 pm, and a 4.8 magnitude quake at 4:32 pm. The situation intensified further with a subsequent 6.2 magnitude earthquake, amplifying the gravity of the crisis.
With tsunami alerts in effect and the persisting seismic activity, residents have been urgently instructed to evacuate coastal areas, prioritizing their safety in anticipation of potential hazardous waves. Authorities are actively monitoring the situation and issuing warnings to ensure swift and necessary action is taken in response to the evolving seismic and tsunami threats.
Sources By Agencies
