Wajima City, Japan – A powerful magnitude 7.5 earthquake struck the west coast of Japan on Monday, resulting in at least four reported deaths and widespread destruction. The earthquake caused buildings to collapse, led to power outages, and triggered tsunami warnings that were later lifted, although tsunami advisories continued due to aftershocks.
The earthquake was centered 26 miles from Anamizu, Japan, and the Japan Meteorological Agency confirmed that parts of the area had experienced a tsunami on Monday. As a result, a hospital in Suzu City reported transporting several injured individuals, while another hospital in Wajima City confirmed treating patients in a parking lot. Fire broke out in the city center of Wajima City, and people were reportedly trapped in the rubble of collapsed buildings.
In addition to the initial 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 grappled with power outages, compounded by freezing temperatures in much of the area.
Preliminary estimates indicate that the 7.5 earthquake was the strongest to hit Japan since 2015. The situation is still evolving as emergency response efforts are underway to address the aftermath of the earthquake. As more information becomes available, the full extent of the damage and casualties will become clearer.