Japan lifts all tsunami warnings, but warns people as risk of stronger quakes prevail

All tsunami warnings along the Sea of Japan were lifted by the country’s meteorological agency on Tuesday. This comes after a strong 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck the East Asian nation on Monday afternoon, leaving at least 30 dead and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida warning that damage was “widespread” and casualties were likely to rise.

Small changes to tidal levels are still possible, AFP quoted official as saying.

Meanwhile, officials have warned that strong aftershocks may occur in the next week — especially over the next two to three days.

On New Year’s Day, a powerful earthquake of magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck central Japan’s Ishikawa Prefecture after which a major tsunami warning was triggered in the prefecture. There quake was followed by several aftershocks.

The Japan’s meteorological office has said a whopping 155 earthquakes have slammed the country in a day, causing extensive damage.

Following the quake, several cities in Ishikawa observed tsunami. Wajima reported tsunami waves over 120 centimeters high and Kanazawa recorded 90 centimeters. Other prefectures also reported sightings.

Rescue efforts hindered

As per reports, authorities have said the rescue efforts have been hindered by damaged roads and they are finding it difficult to assess the full extent of the fallout.

‘Stay away from homes’

As aftershocks have continued to shake Ishikawa prefecture, people have been warned by officials to stay away from their homes because of the risk of more strong quakes.

Fire after earthquake in Japan

A report by NHK said a fire broke out in Wajima City shortly after the earthquake. The blaze reportedly destroyed more than 100 stores and houses. Also, a seven-story building toppled completely.

Also Read: 30 dead in Japan after 155 earthquakes jolt East Asian nation

Officials in the city confirmed at least eight people died, including a man who was crushed under a collapsed building.

The fire department said it has received more than 50 reports of collapsed houses. Also, rescue operation is underway to save those trapped under damaged buildings.

The NHK report mentioned authorities and hospitals saying dozens of people have been injured in four other prefectures including Niigata and Toyama.

In Toyama Prefecture, authorities said they have received reports at several locations, of cracks in roads and broken water pipes. Feared of more tremors, more than 32,000 people spent the night at evacuation shelters across the region.

Blackout in Japan

In Ishikawa Prefecture, more than 44,000 households are without power after the Hokuriku Electric Power Company shut down two generators at its Nanao Ota thermal power plant.

Also Read: Houses toppled, roads caved in: How staggering 155 quakes have wreaked havoc in Japan

There are several nuclear facilities in the region but none of them have reported major irregularities.

With inputs from agencies