Japan is once again grappling with the devastating aftermath of a powerful earthquake that struck the country’s western coast. On Monday, a 7.6 magnitude earthquake rocked the region, prompting authorities to issue tsunami warnings and evacuate residents from coastal areas. The seismic activity, which resulted in multiple earthquakes and widespread destruction, has left several people injured and one reported dead.

The earthquake, originating in the Sea of Japan, unleashed a series of seismic tremors that reverberated across the coastal region. Buildings collapsed, fires broke out, and numerous individuals were trapped under rubble. Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi confirmed that at least six people were “buried alive” when structures crumbled under the force of the quake.

The Japanese Meteorological Agency swiftly responded by issuing a “major tsunami warning” – the highest level of alert. However, it has since been downgraded to a “tsunami warning” as authorities continue to urge residents in affected areas to evacuate and seek higher ground. The potential threat of rising water levels, estimated to reach up to 16.5 feet, looms over the Japanese coastline.

The earthquake has left a trail of destruction in its wake, with over 30,000 households losing power and mobile phone communications disrupted for many individuals. Urging the affected population to prioritize their safety, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi stressed the importance of immediate evacuation to higher ground. He emphasized, “Every minute counts. Please evacuate to a safe area immediately.”

Alongside the human toll, the earthquake also prompted concerns about the safety of nuclear facilities in the region. A fire reportedly broke out at a nuclear power plant in Ishikawa, but operators swiftly extinguished it, assuring the public that no impact on the plant occurred due to the incident. As of now, no nuclear facilities have reported any increase in radiation levels following the earthquake.

While the immediate aftermath of the earthquake has dealt a devastating blow to affected areas, there remains an ongoing threat of further seismic activity. The Japanese Meteorological Agency has warned that additional earthquakes, potentially reaching a magnitude of 7, could strike the Japanese coast in the coming days. This serves as a stark reminder of the ever-present danger and the need for constant preparedness in earthquake-prone regions.

Given the traumatic memory of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami that claimed thousands of lives and resulted in a major nuclear disaster, Japan has developed robust disaster management systems.