Japan earthquake: The major earthquake in Japan triggered a tsunami that was over a meter high, causing damage to homes and igniting a major fire.
Since Monday, Japan has been hit by 155 earthquakes, including one of 7.6 magnitude and another of greater magnitude, according to the country’s meteorological office, according to the news agency AFP. The massive earthquake caused tsunami waves up to a meter high, damaging homes and sparking a massive fire that wreaked havoc overnight.
Local media showed toppled buildings, sunken boats at a port, countless charred homes, and residents without power in the freezing overnight temperatures.
Here’s what we know so far about the earthquakes in Japan:
- At least six people were killed, according to AFP, as police and local authorities reported bodies being pulled from the rubble of collapsed buildings early Tuesday.
- According to Japan’s Meteorological Agency, all tsunami warnings and advisories issued on Monday have been lifted. Small changes in tidal levels, according to officials, are still possible.
- Japan‘s Prime Minister, Fumio Kishida, stated that the earthquakes caused extensive damage with numerous casualties.
- Extensive damage has been officially verified, encompassing a significant number of casualties, structural collapses, and ongoing fires, as conveyed by the spokesperson to the press. He emphasized the urgency of the situation, characterizing it as a time-sensitive race to rescue those affected.
- Kishida stated that now that the tsunami warning has been lifted, the government will attempt to establish sea routes to reach isolated areas in the northern Noto peninsula.
- He added that approximately 100 members of the self-defense forces are currently in the earthquake-affected areas conducting search and rescue operations.
- According to AFP, the local energy provider, over 32,000 households in the region are still without power on Tuesday. Several major highways were closed in the vicinity of the epicenter, and bullet train services from Tokyo were also halted.
- US President Joe Biden stated that the US was prepared to assist Japan in any way necessary following the earthquake. As close allies, the United States and Japan share a deep friendship that brings our people together. During this difficult time, our thoughts are with the Japanese people, he said in a statement.
- The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued a warning to residents about the possibility of more quakes in the coming week or so, particularly in the next two to three days.
Ratnavali