NIIGATA, Japan – A powerful magnitude 7.5 earthquake struck the west coast of Japan on Monday, leaving several people dead and triggering tsunami warnings. The Japan Meteorological Agency reported that the earthquake was centered 26 miles from Anamizu, Japan and confirmed parts of the area had experienced a tsunami. A hospital in Suzu City said several people were transported with injuries, while a hospital in Wajima City confirmed that it was treating patients in a parking lot.
In addition to the magnitude 7.5 earthquake, the U.S. Geological Survey reported dozens of aftershocks, including a magnitude 6.2 quake. Officials warned that the region could be prone to damaging aftershocks in the hours and days following Monday’s earthquake. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida ordered emergency resources to the area as the region deals with power outages and temperatures below freezing in much of the area. Based on preliminary estimates, the 7.5 earthquake was Japan’s strongest since 2015.
Tsunami warnings were later lifted, but tsunami advisories continued due to aftershocks. There were reports of a fire in the city center of Wajima City, related to the earthquake, and people trapped in the rubble of collapsed buildings.
The earthquake has caused widespread devastation, with fatalities and injuries reported, and emergency resources being deployed to the affected regions. The ongoing threat of aftershocks continues to add to the challenges faced by the impacted communities. The region is in urgent need of support as it navigates the aftermath of the earthquake and works to ensure the safety and well-being of its residents.
In summary, a magnitude 7.5 earthquake struck the west coast of Japan, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries, as well as triggering tsunami warnings and aftershocks. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida ordered emergency resources to the affected area, as the region deals with power outages and below-freezing temperatures. The earthquake is reported as Japan’s strongest since 2015, highlighting the significant impact of this natural disaster.