In a catastrophic event on Monday afternoon, western Japan experienced a powerful 7.5 magnitude earthquake, leading to collapsed buildings, fires, and widespread panic. Tsunami alerts were issued as far as eastern Russia, urging residents to evacuate coastal areas affected by the seismic activity.
Details of the Earthquake in Japan 2024
The earthquake struck at 4:10 p.m. local time, originating at a depth of 10 kilometers in the Noto Peninsula of Ishikawa prefecture, as reported by the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The Japan Meteorological Agency promptly issued tsunami warnings for western Japan’s coastal regions, with the first waves hitting just over 10 minutes later.
Immediate Response and Rescue Efforts
In response to the crisis, the defense ministry mobilized 1,000 military personnel to aid in rescue and recovery efforts. Defense Minister Minoru Kihara emphasized the urgency of the situation, highlighting the need for swift action to address the aftermath of the earthquake.
Reports from Affected Areas
Reports from Wajima in Ishikawa prefecture indicated tsunami waves reaching 1.2 meters around 4:21 p.m., with no immediate damage reported. Suzu city officials confirmed damaged buildings and reported injuries, while police mentioned individuals trapped in damaged houses. Despite the severity of the situation, no fatalities have been reported at this time.
Challenges in Rescue Operations
Officials in Suzu city faced challenges in providing medical assistance, with damaged roads hindering some doctors from reaching their workplaces. The hospital received injured individuals, underscoring the broader impact of the earthquake on the region’s infrastructure and emergency services.
