An earthquake with a magnitude of 7.5 struck the west coast of Japan on Monday, resulting in at least four reported deaths. The earthquake triggered tsunami warnings, which were later lifted, but tsunami advisories remained in place due to aftershocks. The epicenter of the earthquake was 26 miles from Anamizu, Japan, with the Japan Meteorological Agency confirming the occurrence of a tsunami in the area.
According to reports from a hospital in Suzu City, several individuals were transported with injuries, and a hospital in Wajima City was treating patients in a parking lot. The earthquake also caused a fire in the city center of Wajima City, with individuals reportedly trapped in the rubble of collapsed buildings. Additionally, the U.S. Geological Survey reported dozens of aftershocks, including a magnitude 6.2 quake, leading officials to warn of potential damaging aftershocks in the hours and days following the initial earthquake.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida ordered emergency resources to the affected area as the region grapples with power outages. Concerns were further heightened by below-freezing temperatures in much of the area. According to preliminary estimates, the 7.5 earthquake was the strongest to hit Japan since 2015.
In summary, the 7.5 magnitude earthquake that struck the west coast of Japan resulted in at least four deaths, triggered tsunami warnings, and led to ongoing aftershocks. Japanese authorities have mobilized emergency resources to the affected area, as the region also contends with power outages and freezing temperatures. This earthquake is reported to be the strongest to hit Japan since 2015.