Powerful Earthquakes Strike Sea of Japan, Prompting Tsunami Warning from Japan Meterological Agency

On New Year’s Day, a series of powerful earthquakes struck the Sea of Japan, prompting a tsunami warning from the Japan Meterological Agency (JMA). The quakes began at 4:06 p.m. local time (2 a.m. ET) with a 5.7 magnitude temblor, followed by a 7.6 magnitude quake just four minutes later. This was followed by a 6.1 magnitude temblor at 4:18 p.m., a 4.5 magnitude one at 4:23 p.m., a 4.6 magnitude quake at 4:29 p.m., and a 4.8 magnitude quake at 4:32.

The JMA warned that the tsunami waves could reach as high as 5 meters (16.5 feet) and urged people on the entire West Coast to escape to the highest place as soon as possible. The tallest wave so far was 1.2 meters (around 4 feet) detected at Wajima Port in Ishikawa at 5:21 p.m (3:21 a.m. ET).

The earthquakes occurred off the coast of Ishika and nearby prefectures, and were felt in the Noto region on the western side of Japan’s main island of Honshu. Japanese public broadcaster NHK TV reported that the quakes caused minor damage in the region, but no injuries or deaths have been reported.

The JMA is continuing to monitor the situation and has advised people in the affected areas to remain vigilant. They have also urged people to follow the instructions of local authorities and to stay away from the coast until the tsunami warning is lifted.