Japan faced heightened seismic activity as a significant earthquake with a magnitude of 7.4 struck the Noto region, Ishikawa prefecture, on Monday. In response to the seismic event, the Japan Meteorological Agency swiftly issued a major tsunami warning for Ishikawa and lower-level warnings or advisories for the broader northwestern coast of Honshu.
The quake, reported around 4:10 pm local time, prompted urgent evacuation orders from NHK, the public broadcaster. The affected population was instructed to move immediately to higher ground. Reports from Wajima City in Ishikawa indicated waves exceeding one meter (3.3 feet) along the coast.
Further concerns arose with the issuance of an additional earthquake warning for Ishikawa. Authorities warned of hazardous tsunami waves, potentially reaching up to five meters (16.5 feet), along the north coast of central Japan within 300 km (186 miles) of the earthquake’s epicenter, as stated by both US and Japanese agencies.
Despite buildings swaying in the Tokyo metropolitan area, there were no immediate reports of damage or casualties. Kansai Electric, responsible for nuclear plants in the quake-affected region, confirmed no abnormalities were detected.
The impact extended beyond Japan, as South Korea’s meteorological agency warned of a potential rise in sea levels in parts of Gangwon province on the east coast.
Given Japan’s susceptibility to earthquakes, this event underscores the constant vigilance required for seismic preparedness. Updates on the situation will be provided as more information becomes available.
