Japan hit by 21 earthquakes of above 4.0 magnitude in 90 minutes; 33,000 homes without power

A succession of 21 earthquakes registering 4.0 magnitude or stronger struck central Japan in just over 90 minutes on Monday. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the strongest jolted quake was measured 7.6.

#BREAKING#Japan has had 21 #earthquakes with a magnitude above 4.0 according to the country's meteorological office#tsunami pic.twitter.com/9ynJHi6JBS

— EHA News (@eha_news) January 1, 2024

The quakes prompted tsunami warnings and authorities have urged people in the area to move to higher ground. A tsunami around 1 metre high struck parts of the west coast along the Sea of Japan, with a larger wave expected, local media reports said. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued tsunami warnings for the coastal prefectures of Ishikawa, Niigata and Toyama, a report by Reuters said. 33,000 homes without power A report by NHK Japan mentioned Hokuriku Electric Power Company saying about 33,000 homes are without power in Ishikawa Prefecture. The number includes about 10,300 in Wajima City, 7,300 in Noto Town, and 7,100 in Suzu City. Remain on alert for more earthquakes Meanwhile, Japan’s Prime Minister Kishida Fumio has instructed his officials to provide people accurate information about the tsunami and related damages. Kishida stressed that it is necessary to grasp the extent of damage as soon as possible, and that the government should put human lives first in dealing with the disaster. The prime minister stressed that people should evacuate as soon as possible in areas where tsunamis are expected. He added that residents are advised to remain on alert for more earthquakes to come.

[Instructions by the PM]
1. Provide timely and accurate information to the public regarding the tsunami, evacuation, etc., and take thorough measures to prevent damage, such as the evacuation of residents.
2. Assess the state of affairs regarding damage as soon as possible. (1/2)

— PM's Office of Japan (@JPN_PMO) January 1, 2024

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Emergency contact number for Indians in Japan The Embassy of India in Japan has issued emergency contact numbers for Indian citizens following a strong earthquake and tsunami warnings. In a notification, Embassy of India in Tokyo Japan said, “Embassy has set up an emergency control roll for anyone to contact in connection with the earthquake and tsunami on 1 January, 2024.” Urging people to follow instructions of the local government, the Indian embassy in Japan further said it is in regular contact with the concerned authorities.

Embassy of India in Japan issues emergency contact numbers for Indian citizens following a strong earthquake and tsunami warnings pic.twitter.com/Ge1zdp1kVP

— ANI (@ANI) January 1, 2024

With inputs from agencies