Breaking: A major earthquake has struck Japan, leading to the issuance of tsunami alerts

On Monday afternoon, a devastating 7.5 magnitude earthquake hit western Japan, setting off tsunami waves and inflicting damage on roads, utilities, transportation services, and other infrastructure.

Japanese authorities urged people in the impacted regions to move to higher ground. In response, 1,000 members of the Self-Defense Forces were mobilized to support rescue and recovery operations.

Key updates include:

– The Earthquake’s Impact: Originating 42 kilometers (26 miles) northeast of Anamizu in Ishikawa prefecture, the earthquake, with a depth of 10 kilometers (6 miles), occurred at 4:10 p.m. local time, as reported by the United States Geological Survey. The region experienced several aftershocks, including a significant 6.2 magnitude tremor near Anamizu.
– Tsunami Warnings: Tsunami warnings were issued for western Japan, anticipating waves up to 3 meters (9.8 feet). Wajima City saw tsunami waves of approximately 1.2 meters (3.9 feet), as per NKH, Japan’s public broadcaster. Lesser waves were observed in Toyama City and its vicinity, while Noto city was on high alert with an ongoing tsunami warning.
– Infrastructure Damage: The quake severely disrupted highways, collapsed structures, sparked fires, and hampered communication systems in western Japan. Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi Yoshimasa mentioned that power outages might affect up to 33,000 households, as reported by NHK.
– Disruptions in Transportation: The earthquake led to the closure of at least five highways and numerous flight cancelations at airports in Ishikawa prefecture. Noto Airport reported a runway crack, causing two flight cancelations, and a flight from Tokyo had to return. Komatsu Airport saw 15 flight cancelations. Local schools, although not in session, were transformed into evacuation centers.
– Rescue and Recovery: Defense Minister Minoru Kihara stated that 8,500 military personnel are prepared to assist in emergency operations. In Suzu City, healthcare services were disrupted as some doctors couldn’t reach their workplaces due to damaged roads.
– Distress Among Residents: Social media videos captured the panic and destruction, showing homes flattened in western Japan. Footage from a local bowling alley showed people taking cover under tables as the building shook and TV screens swayed. A resident from Noto expressed concern about the severe state of their city and the potential for fires.