Japan Tsunami Warning: Urgent Evacuation Order Following Massive Earthquake

In a surprising twist, central Japan experienced a powerful 7.5-magnitude earthquake on Monday, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS). The seismic event struck Ishikawa prefecture’s Noto region around 4:10 pm local time (7:10 am GMT), prompting immediate tsunami warnings. Urgent evacuations were urged by national broadcaster NHK for residents in the affected area to move to higher ground.

Tsunami warning issued in Hawaii for Japan’s coast after a quake. A 1.2-meter wave struck Wajima city, while Noto could see a potential 5-meter tsunami.

A series of earthquakes, including a powerful 7.6-magnitude temblor, jolted Noto region on the Sea of Japan side of Honshu. The quakes started with a 5.7-magnitude tremor at 4:06 pm local time and continued for over half an hour, with several strong aftershocks exceeding 4.5 magnitude. A 1.2-meter tsunami hit Wajima city, and larger waves were possible.

Interrupting regular programming, broadcasters emphasized the gravity of the situation, urging affected residents to seek higher ground. NHK stressed the importance of prioritizing lives over possessions, stating, “Your home and belongings are precious, but your lives matter most. Head to the highest ground possible.”

The impact extended beyond Japan, with Russia’s Sakhalin island and Vladivostok on high alert for a potential tsunami. Sakhalin’s emergency services issued an alert for the island’s western coast, and Vladivostok’s authorities instructed fishermen to return to shore.

Despite earthquake-proof buildings and drills, Japan’s recent quake exposes the region’s seismic realities. Recovering from past mega-quakes like 2011 and 2022, Japan’s history echoes with seismic tragedies. Noto’s tremors highlight the ever-present threat, whispering echoes of Tokyo’s 1923 catastrophe.