There was a race against time in Japan in the last 24 hours as the rescuers put their best foot forward to find survivors among the rubble after A massive 7.6 magnitude earthquake and around 155 tremors killed more than 30 people. The main earthquake site was Ishikawa prefecture.
The massive earthquake that shook Japan to the core triggered tsunami waves of more than a meter high, toppled multiple buildings, caused a major port fire, and tore apart numerous roads. Tsunami warnings that were issued after the earthquake were lifted after a few hours and advisories were put in place. However, the officials stated that there is still a possibility that small changes might occur to tidal levels.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said that helicopter inspection has revealed that the earthquake has caused extensive damage, with –numerous instances of fire breakouts and damage to roads.
It was a terrible start to the new year, said a resident of Shika, who stood in queue with a hundred others for water. Another elderly man expressed gratitude that he was still alive even after such a terrible shaking.
The powerful earthquake also resulted in the disruption of electricity generators, which caused a significant increase in the country’s spot power prices. As of Tuesday morning, nearly 33,000 individuals were still surviving without power, reported Hokuriku Electric Power Company.
Reactors at Kansai Electric Power’s Ohi and Takahama nuclear stations in Fukui Prefecture, to the north of the main earthquake site in Ishikawa Prefecture, appeared to be not affected by the earthquake, the Nuclear Regulation Authority stated. It further added that there was “no risk of radioactivity leaking from nuclear power plants” in the areas that were majorly affected by the earthquakes and tsunami.
The Japanese Meteorological Agency during a national broadcast news conference said that more major earthquakes could hit the area over the next week, especially in the next two to three days.
Japan’s Disaster Prevention Ministry formed a “Reiwa 6 Noto Peninsula Earthquake Specific Disaster Countermeasures Headquarters” to quickly assess the damage situation and respond with utmost priority on human life. Minister Matsumura advised people to ensure their safety.
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