Various international news agencies reported Japan experienced a powerful earthquake measuring 7.6 on the Japanese scale, the highest level on this scale.
The earthquake triggered a tsunami warning, particularly affecting the western coast of Japan. Regions, including Ishikawa, Niigata, Toyama, and Yamagata prefectures, were highly alert. Residents were urged to evacuate swiftly as the Japan Meteorological Agency projected over 1.2-meter high waves hitting Wajima Port in the Noto Peninsula, Ishikawa, around 4:21 PM.
Following the earthquake, The Japan Times reported a broad tsunami warning for the western coastal areas of Japan. The Japan Meteorological Agency advised immediate evacuation from coastal areas of the aforementioned prefectures. Tsunami waves as high as five meters were expected in Noto, Ishikawa Prefecture.
A major wave activity was also recorded in Wajima City, Ishikawa Prefecture. Hokuriku Electric Power and Kansai Electric Power inspected any irregularities at nuclear power plants, maintaining vigilance for any potential aftermath of the earthquake.
International Responses and Precautions
Pakistan’s Ambassador Raza Bashir Tarar stated that the earthquake-affected areas were closely monitored. The embassy confirmed the safety of all Pakistanis in the region and established a hotline for assistance in any difficult situation. The earthquake was also felt in Tokyo and across the Kanto area.
Additionally, South Korea’s Gangwon province issued precautionary warnings to residents, advising evacuation to higher grounds. South Korea’s meteorological agency had earlier warned of a possible rise in sea level along some parts of the Gangwon province on the east coast, indicating the far-reaching impact of the earthquake in Japan.
