Our Privacy Statement & Cookie Policy

By continuing to browse our site you agree to our use of cookies, revised Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. You can change your cookie settings through your browser.

I agree

13 dead, tsunami warnings lifted after M7.6 quake rocks west Japan

CGTN

 , Updated 10:25, 02-Jan-2024
A building collapses in Wajima City after a magnitude-7.6 earthquake struck the Noto region of Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan, January 1, 2024. /CFP
A building collapses in Wajima City after a magnitude-7.6 earthquake struck the Noto region of Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan, January 1, 2024. /CFP

A building collapses in Wajima City after a magnitude-7.6 earthquake struck the Noto region of Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan, January 1, 2024. /CFP

At least 13 people were killed in a powerful earthquake in central Japan on Monday, Kyodo News reported on Tuesday.

All tsunami warnings have been lifted after a magnitude-7.6 earthquake hit Ishikawa Prefecture on Monday afternoon, according to Japan's Meteorological Agency on Tuesday.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida told reporters on Tuesday that about 1,000 of Japan's self-defense force troops are currently in the quake-hit areas and conducting search and rescue operations. 

Kishida also said they will try to establish sea routes to reach isolated areas on northern Noto Peninsula. The damage from the earthquake appears to be widespread, as many fires were seen during helicopter inspections, Kishida said.

According to NHK, the Nuclear Regulation Authority said a blast and the smell of something burning were reported at the Shika nuclear power plant in Ishikawa Prefecture. The operator said the plant lost power from a transformer, but the two nuclear reactors can function properly using backup systems.

Neighboring country South Korea reported small tsunamis on Monday following the major earthquake, and there have been no reports of injuries or property losses, Yonhap reported.

(With input from Reuters)

Search Trends