Japan earthquake kills four, viral videos show nationwide panic

A powerful earthquake of 7.6 magnitude struck central Japan on Monday (Jan 1), claiming at least four lives, demolishing buildings, and causing widespread power outages. The quake led to waves along Japan’s west coast and South Korea, triggering tsunami warnings. 

According to the National Police Agency, two people have suffered cardiac arrest in Nanao city.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida instructed search and rescue teams to prioritise saving lives, despite the challenging access to affected areas. The earthquake, situated in an area with simmering seismic activity, raises concerns about potential aftershocks.

President Joe Biden extended US support to Japan following the devastating earthquake.

“As close allies, the United States and Japan share a deep bond of friendship that unites our people,” Biden said in a statement.

“My administration is in touch with Japanese officials, and the United States stands ready to provide any necessary assistance for the Japanese people,” he added. 

The Japan Meteorological Agency issued tsunami warnings for Ishikawa, Niigata, and Toyama prefectures. Although initially a major tsunami warning for Ishikawa was issued, it was later downgraded.

Prime Minister Kishida urged residents in potential tsunami areas to evacuate promptly. 

“I urge people in areas where tsunamis are expected to evacuate as soon as possible,” Kishida said.

People crouched on the ground as the ceiling of a subway station in Kanazawa, in the Ishikawa Prefecture started to shake as the earthquake hit.

Video shared on social media showed some people trying to run away as the electronic information board shook above them. 

An eyewitness in the central Japanese city of Nagano captured shelves and items inside a grocery store shaking as the earthquake struck.

Images that are circulating around show collapsed buildings in Wajima, with reports of around 30 structures affected.

Tokyo, situated 500 km away, experienced building jolts. Over 36,000 households lost power, telecoms reported outages, and transportation systems, including trains and expressways, faced disruptions. Air travel was affected, with ANA and Japan Airlines diverting and cancelling flights.

The earthquake raised concerns about Japan’s nuclear industry, given the sensitive context following the 2011 Fukushima disaster.

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Despite the quake’s proximity to Hokuriku’s Shika nuclear plant, which had halted reactors for inspection, Japan’s Nuclear Regulation Authority reported no irregularities in the active reactors.

(With inputs from agencies)