7.6 Earthquake Shakes Japan

Authorities issued Tsunami warnings and advised residents of the affected areas to evacuate their homes

01.01.2024 15:25

Newsroom

Shoppers crouch down as an earthquake hit the region at a supermarket in Toyama, Japan January 1, 2024, in this photo released by Kyodo. Mandatory credit Kyodo via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. MANDATORY CREDIT. JAPAN OUT. NO COMMERCIAL OR EDITORIAL SALES IN JAPAN

01.01.2024 15:25

Climate

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Authorities issued Tsunami warnings and advised residents of the affected areas to evacuate their homes

A powerful earthquake measuring 7.6 on the Richter scale jolted Japan on the first day of 2024, Monday.

Due to the magnitude of the earthquake, a major tsunami warning has been issued for the Ishikawa, Niigata and Toyama prefectures, where it is feared waves could reach 3 to 5 meters.

The authorities also urged residents to evacuate their homes and head for high ground immediately, following a series of aftershocks.

According to public broadcaster NHK, the earthquake hit north-central Japan. The Hokuriku Electric Power is checking for problems at its nuclear plants, it was reported.