Japan rattled by dozens of earthquakes: extensive house damage prompts swift Military response

A robust earthquake, measuring 7.6 in magnitude, rattled central Japan on Monday, causing destruction, power outages, and prompting evacuation warnings along the west coast. The quake triggered waves of approximately 1 meter along the Sea of Japan coast, with authorities cautioning about the possibility of larger waves. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) reported a series of earthquakes near the Ishikawa coast and surrounding areas.

Tsunami alerts issued

Tsunami warnings were issued for the coastal prefectures of Ishikawa, Niigata, and Toyama. While a major tsunami warning was initially declared for Ishikawa, it was later downgraded. This marks the first major tsunami warning since the 2011 earthquake and tsunami that struck northeastern Japan.

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Numerous buildings have been destroyed, with at least 30 collapsed structures reported in Wajima. Army units have been mobilized for rescue operations, and the extent of the damage is still being assessed. Over 36,000 households lost power in Ishikawa and Toyama prefectures. High-speed rail services and major highways have been suspended, and telecom services experienced disruptions.

Response and uncertain outlook

The Japanese government is actively engaged in rescue efforts, though no confirmed reports of casualties or injuries are available as of now. The earthquake-prone region anticipates potential aftershocks and heightened seismic activity in the coming days. The situation remains uncertain, with authorities urging vigilance and caution.

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