A powerful earthquake struck central Japan on Monday, causing widespread destruction and triggering evacuations in coastal areas. The quake, with a preliminary magnitude of 7.6, resulted in numerous collapsed buildings and widespread power outages affecting tens of thousands of homes.
Tsunami Warnings and Impact
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued tsunami warnings for Ishikawa, Niigata, and Toyama prefectures, cautioning residents about the potential for larger waves. Although a major tsunami warning was initially declared for Ishikawa, it was later downgraded.
The quake caused significant damage to houses, ignited fires, and prompted the deployment of military personnel for rescue operations. The full extent of injuries and casualties remains uncertain.
Nuclear Plants and Safety Measures
The earthquake, occurring on January 1, 2024, has reignited concerns about Japan’s nuclear industry, which has faced opposition since the 2011 Fukushima disaster that claimed nearly 20,000 lives. According to the Nuclear Regulation Authority, no irregularities were detected at nuclear power plants along the Sea of Japan, including Kansai Electric Power’s Ohi and Takahama plants in Fukui Prefecture. The Shika plant in Ishikawa, closest to the epicenter, was offline for inspections and unaffected. Plant Name Location Number of Reactors Status Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Niigata Prefecture 7 Operational Ohi Fukui Prefecture 4 Operational Takahama Fukui Prefecture 2 Operational Shika Ishikawa Prefecture 2 Offline.
Japan recently lifted the operational ban on Kashiwazaki-Kariwa, the world’s largest nuclear plant, which had been offline since the 2011 tsunami. The country’s energy policy strives for a balance between nuclear, thermal, and renewable energy sources to reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels.
Impact on Residents and Tourists
The earthquake occurred during the New Year holiday, disrupting traditional celebrations at temples and affecting tourists in the Nagano region. Evacuations took place in popular destinations like Kanazawa, where Ayako Daikai sought refuge with her family. Tourist Johnny Wu in Hakuba expressed concern about the quake’s severity.
In summary, while the earthquake has raised concerns about Japan’s nuclear industry, authorities report no irregularities at nuclear plants. The government’s push to restart nuclear power aims to decrease reliance on imported fuels amidst ongoing recovery efforts.
