A series of powerful earthquakes off central Japan’s north coast resulted in tsunami waves, with some exceeding a meter in height, affecting Japan and nearby countries. A significant 7.5 magnitude quake was detected by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and other institutions. Reports indicated that waves reaching up to 1.2 meters hit Wajima port in Ishikawa prefecture, as confirmed by the Japan Meteorological Agency.
Following this, an extensive tsunami alert was declared for Ishikawa, while the western Honshu Island received lower-level warnings and advisories. In response, Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi urged residents to move to safer areas.
NHK TV highlighted potential water surges up to 5 meters and advised individuals to quickly seek elevated grounds or the roofs of nearby structures. Concurrently, in Russia’s Sakhalin Island, which lies near Japan on the Pacific side, the Emergencies Ministry reported a tsunami threat, leading to ongoing evacuations as informed by state news agency TASS on January 1.
