Breaking News: Major Earthquake Strikes Off Coast of Japan
A powerful earthquake, registering a preliminary magnitude of 7.6, struck off the coast of central Japan earlier today, triggering tsunami warnings and prompting widespread evacuations. The quake hit at approximately 4:10 PM local time (0710 GMT) and was felt strongly across a wide swathe of the country, including the capital, Tokyo.
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued a major tsunami warning for Ishikawa Prefecture, urging residents to evacuate immediately to higher ground. Warnings and advisories were also issued for other coastal prefectures, including Niigata, Toyama, and Yamagata. Initial reports indicated tsunami waves reaching heights of over a meter in some areas, with warnings predicting potentially larger waves to follow.
Footage circulating on social media and broadcast by news outlets showed buildings shaking violently and infrastructure sustaining damage. Reports of collapsed structures and fires are beginning to surface, although the full extent of the damage is still being assessed. Power outages have been reported in several prefectures, leaving hundreds of thousands of homes without electricity.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida addressed the nation, urging citizens to remain calm and follow evacuation orders. He announced the establishment of a dedicated disaster response headquarters to coordinate relief efforts and gather information on the situation. The Self-Defense Forces have been mobilized to assist with search and rescue operations and provide emergency aid to affected areas.
Neighboring countries, including South Korea and Russia, have also issued tsunami warnings along their eastern coasts as a precautionary measure. International organizations are monitoring the situation closely and stand ready to provide assistance if requested.
This earthquake serves as a stark reminder of Japan’s vulnerability to seismic activity. The country lies in one of the most active seismic zones in the world and has a long history of devastating earthquakes and tsunamis. Japan has invested heavily in earthquake preparedness and early warning systems, but the scale of this event highlights the ongoing challenges of mitigating the impact of natural disasters.
Authorities are continuing to assess the damage and monitor tsunami activity. Residents in coastal areas are urged to remain vigilant and follow instructions from local officials. This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
Further updates and resources can be found on the JMA website and through official government channels. We will continue to provide updates as the situation unfolds.