Japan Hit by Magnitude 7.4 Earthquake, Triggering Tsunami Alert: 21 Aftershocks Above Magnitude 4 Recorded

Tsunami Alert in Japan Following Earthquake

On the first day of the new year, Japan received concerning news of a powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.4 striking the northeastern expanses. This seismic activity has prompted the issuance of a tsunami alert in Japan.

The powerful earthquake occurred in the Ishikawa Prefecture in western Japan. NHK, the Japanese broadcaster, has reported that tsunami alerts have been declared in Niigata, Toyama, Yamagata, Fukui, and Hyogo regions, in addition to the coastal areas of the Sea of Japan. Warnings have been extended to all major highways near the epicenter of the earthquake in Japan, with cautionary measures being taken to evacuate people to safer locations.

The earthquake’s epicenter being in proximity to Japan’s coastal regions has raised concerns about the potential threat of a tsunami. According to NHK, the tsunami could reach heights of up to 5 meters (16 feet). The residents in coastal areas are being advised to move to higher ground to ensure their safety.

In light of the earthquake and the potential tsunami, the Indian Embassy in Japan has announced emergency contact numbers. The numbers for emergency assistance are as follows:

• 81-80-3930-1715
• 81-70-1492-0049
• 81-80-3214-4734
• 81-80-6229-5382
• 81-80-3214-4722

The situation is being closely monitored, and precautions are being taken to safeguard the lives of the residents in the affected regions.

Japan Earthquake Triggers Tsunami Alert and Aftershocks

Japan experienced a significant earthquake with a magnitude of 7.4 in the Ishikawa Prefecture, triggering a tsunami alert in multiple regions. The earthquake’s epicenter was reported to be in the vicinity of the city of Anamizu, with a depth of 10 kilometers below the Earth’s surface. The seismic event was felt around 12:40 PM (Indian Standard Time).

Following the initial earthquake, several aftershocks were recorded. The first aftershock had a magnitude of 6.2, occurring 8 minutes after the main quake. Subsequently, a second aftershock with a magnitude of 5.2 was reported. In total, there have been 21 aftershocks with a magnitude greater than 4.

The Meteorological Agency in Japan issued tsunami alerts for coastal areas, including Nigata, Toyama, Yamagata, Fukui, and Hyogo regions, urging residents to move to higher ground. The alerts came after the devastating earthquake and tsunami in 2011, which resulted in significant casualties and damage.

Japan: Living on the Ring of Fire

Japan is situated in one of the most seismically active regions globally, known as the Ring of Fire. The earthquakes are frequent in this region due to its proximity to the junction of two tectonic plates. The Ishikawa Prefecture, where the recent earthquake occurred, is particularly close to the junction of the Philippine Sea Plate and the Pacific Plate, creating what is known as the Ring of Fire – a horseshoe-shaped area marked by intense seismic and volcanic activity.

The Ring of Fire is a region where the continental plate meets the oceanic tectonic plate. Earthquakes often occur when these plates interact with each other. The impact extends beyond earthquakes; it is a significant factor in the occurrence of tsunamis and volcanic eruptions.

This expansive area covers about 40,000 kilometers and is responsible for approximately 90% of the world’s earthquakes. Three-quarters of the world’s active and dormant volcanoes are also situated in this region. Fifteen countries, including Japan, Russia, the Philippines, Indonesia, New Zealand, Antarctica, Canada, the United States, Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Peru, Ecuador, Chile, and Bolivia, are part of the Ring of Fire.

The region witnesses about 20,000 earthquakes annually, with varying levels of intensity. While most earthquakes are minor, they contribute to the geological dynamics of the area. The National Earthquake Information Center records around 22,000 earthquakes globally each year, with around 100 of them causing significant damage. Earthquakes can last for a few seconds to a few minutes, with the longest recorded earthquake in history being the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake, which lasted for approximately 10 minutes.

Living in the Ring of Fire requires constant vigilance and preparedness, as the region remains highly susceptible to seismic and volcanic activities. Japan, being in the heart of this zone, has implemented strict building codes and early warning systems to mitigate the impact of earthquakes and protect its population.