Japan Earthquake: All Tsunami Warnings Lifted

The Japan Meteorological Agency on January 2 lifted all tsunami warnings issued after a series of strong earthquakes rocked the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture and coastal areas in central Japan on the first day of the New Year. However, the agency still forecast that minor fluctuations in tidal levels could continue throughout the day.

A house damaged by an earthquake in Nanao, Ishikawa prefecture, Japan on January 2. Photo: Kyodo

Bullet train services have resumed in some areas after being suspended due to the earthquake. The Nuclear Regulation Authority of Japan said some nuclear plants in central Japan are operating normally.

Statistics show that Japan has suffered 155 earthquakes of varying magnitudes, most of which were identified as aftershocks of the first earthquake of magnitude 7.6. The Japan Meteorological Agency has officially named this series of earthquakes of this magnitude as the "2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake".

An area affected by an earthquake in Suzu, Ishikawa prefecture, Japan, January 2. Photo: Kyodo

According to the Ishikawa prefectural government, the earthquakes triggered multiple tsunamis of 1-1.2 meters high in Wajima City in the prefecture. As of 9:30 a.m. on January 2 (Vietnam time), the prefectural authorities confirmed that 13 people had died and dozens were injured, while many buildings, cars and boats were destroyed or severely damaged. Fires also burned down more than 200 structures in Ishikawa Prefecture.

Speaking at a press conference on the morning of January 2, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida confirmed that "the extent of the damage is enormous, with many casualties and many houses collapsed and burned." He said the government had mobilized an additional 1,000 soldiers to support the 8,500-strong defense force currently in the affected areas to assist in the rescue of victims and the recovery of natural disasters. He stressed: "Saving lives is our top priority and we are racing against time."

The Japan Meteorological Agency said the epicenter of the initial earthquake was about 30km east-northeast of Wajima, with a depth of about 16km. Accordingly, this earthquake was determined to be at the highest level on Japan's 7-level seismic intensity scale. The last time Japan witnessed such a strong earthquake was in late 2018 in Hokkaido.

Sharing the damage caused by the new series of earthquakes in Japan, US President Joe Biden announced that the country is ready to provide all necessary support to its close ally. Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed his sympathy to the Government and people of Japan.

VNA

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