7.6 on richter scale, several aftershocks afterwards
A powerful earthquake and tsunami struck central Japan and its western coast on Monday. Japanese officials issued evacuation waring in coastal regions and asked residents to go to higher grounds. (Image: Agencies)
High waves expected within 300km of epicenter
USGS has warned that high waves as high as 5 metres waves are expected to hit Japan coast within 300km of quake epicentre. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami warning along western coastal regions of Ishikawa, Niigata and Toyama prefectures. Russia also issued tsunami warnings in its far eastern cities of Vladivostok and Nakhodka. (Image: Agencies)
36,000 houses lose power, major highways closed
More than 36,000 households had lost power in Ishikawa and Toyama prefectures, Hokuriku Electric Power said. Traffic authorities informed that major highways along the coast were closed. (Image: Agencies)
Total of 21 quakes above 4.0 magnitude hit Japan
Total 21 earthquakes of 4.0 magnitude or stronger struck central Japan in just over 90 minutes on Monday. The strongest jolt measured 7.6, it said. The quakes were followed by tsunami warnings and authorities requested residents to move away from the coast. (Image: Agencies)
1.2 meters wave strike Wazima
The city of Wajima, Ishikawa Prefecture, was hit by a tsunami of more than 1.2 meters at 4:21 p.m (Local time) on Monday. (Image: Agencies)
No abnormalities at nuclear plants
Japan's Nuclear Regulation Authority said no irregularities have been confirmed at nuclear power plants. Japanese officials informed that Shika nuclear power plant in Ishikawa halted its two reactors before the quake for regular inspection and saw no impact from the quake. (Image: AP)
High-speed rail services suspended, flights instructed to divert
High speed rail services to Ishikawa have been suspended. Japanese airline ANA turned back four planes headed to airports in Toyama and Ishikawa midair after the quake, while Japan Airlines cancelled most of the flight services to Niigata and Ishikawa regions for the rest of the day. (Image: Agencies)
A collapsed house following an earthquake is seen in Wajima
A collapsed house following an earthquake is seen in Wajima, Ishikawa prefecture, Japan January 1, 2024, in this photo released by Kyodo. (Image: Reuters)
Fire incidents after earthquake
Fire incidents were reported at some places following earthquake in Wajima. Rescue teams were scrambled to the spot. (Image: Reuters)
PM Kishida interacts with media
Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida speaks to the media about the situation following a major earthquake and following tsunami warning for the western coast of Japan, at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on January 1, 2024. (Image: Agencies)
Residents told to be ready for further distress
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida warned civilians to be ready for further disasters. "Residents need to stay on alert for further possible quakes and I urge people in areas where tsunamis are expected to evacuate as soon as possible," Kishida said. (Image: AP)
Sakhalin island under threat, says Russia
The Russian emergency ministry said that areas along the western shore of Sakhalin Island, which is located near Japan on Russia's Pacific coast, were at risk of a tsunami. The state news agency TASS said that local inhabitants were being evacuated. (Image credit: AP)
North and South Korea issue tsunami warnings
After Japan earthquake, South Korea's Gangwon province warned its residents to take precautions and evacuate to higher grounds. Further, North Korea issued tsunami warnings for its east coast, stating waves of up to 2.08 meters (6.8 ft) could reach its shore, according to Yonhap news, quoting the North's state radio. (Image credit: AP)
The tsunami threat 'largely passed'
The tsunami threat from a massive earthquake that slammed central Japan has "largely passed," according to a US agency, after waves up to a metre high impacted certain locations earlier. "The tsunami threat has now largely passed," said the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Hawaii. (Image credit: AP)
At least 30 reports of building collapse received by Japanese authorities
The Wajima City fire department in Japan's Ishikawa prefecture has received at least 30 complaints of structures collapsing. Meanwhile, one man died after building collapsed in Shika town, Ishikawa prefecture, following the earthquake. (Image credit: AP)
Japan lowers tsunami warnings but warns coastal residents not to return home
Japan lifted its highest level tsunami alert but warned coastal residents not to return home because lethal waves might still hit. (Image credit: AP)