Many people buried after 7.6 magnitude earthquake in Japan
At least six people were buried in rubble in Wajima city after a 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck Japan.
According to Kyodo News, on January 1, 2024, a 7.6 magnitude earthquake occurred in Ishikawa province, central Japan.
Following the earthquake, a tsunami warning was issued for the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture, with waves forecast to reach 5 meters. Additionally, a tsunami warning was issued for Niigata, Toyama, Yamagata, Fukui and Hyogo prefectures along the Sea of Japan coast.
Authorities in Wajima City (Noto Peninsula) said waves of more than 1.2 meters were recorded in the local port area. The earthquake also collapsed a series of local houses, causing a large fire. So far, 6 victims have been buried in the rubble.
Local rescuers are urgently searching for victims trapped in the earthquake. About 1,000 people in Wajima have also been evacuated to a Japan Self-Defense Force base. Nationwide, 51,000 people have been evacuated due to the earthquake and tsunami warning.
Prime Minister Kishida Fumio said authorities were assessing the extent of the damage, and people should prepare for possible risks. "People need to be alert to the risk of further earthquakes, and those in the warning area should evacuate as soon as possible," Mr. Kishida emphasized.
No unusual reactions were reported at nuclear power plants along the Sea of Japan coast, according to the Japan Nuclear Regulation Authority. The Shika plant in Ishikawa, near the epicenter, had shut down its reactors before the quake struck.
