An earthquake measuring 7.5 on the Richter Scale hit Japan on Monday (January 1, 2024), triggering tsunami waves, which hit the northern coast of central Japan.
The city of Wajima, Ishikawa Prefecture, observed a tsunami of more than 1.2 meters at 4:21 p.m. on Monday, following a major quake that hit the region, NHK reported.
Other cities like Toyama and Kashiwazaki also experienced tsunami waves.
Following the earthquake, Japan Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami warning along coastal regions of western Japan.
In a televised address, Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi urged people living in areas under tsunami warnings to evacuate to higher ground, CNN reported.
After the powerful earthquake, several aftershocks were also reported.
BBC, quoting NHK, reported that several houses and power poles collapsed following the earthquake in Suzu City in Ishikawa Prefecture.
The Japanese government, meanwhile, said no abnormalities were reported at the nuclear plant in the area.
Japan’s Nuclear Regulation Authority said the Shika plant in Ishikawa, the closest to the quake’s epicenter, had already halted its two reactors before the tremors, for regular inspection, reports DW.
A major earthquake and tsunami killed nearly 20,000 people in 2011.
The incident left towns devastated and triggered nuclear meltdowns in Fukushima.