Chaos engulfed central Japan on New Year's Day as a monstrous 7.6-magnitude earthquake unleashed its fury. Buildings swayed and crumbled, streets cracked, and terror-stricken residents scrambled for higher ground as a tsunami warning blared across the region.
The epicenter roared near the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture, unleashing a series of tremors that began at 4:10 p.m. and lasted over 90 minutes. Among them, 21 quakes registered 4.0 or higher, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake.
Wajima port bore the brunt of the initial tsunami surge, with waves exceeding 1.2 meters crashing ashore within minutes. The Japan Meteorological Agency warned of potentially hazardous waves stretching 300 kilometers from the epicenter, prompting urgent tsunami warnings for the Sea of Japan side of Honshu.
Heartbreaking scenes unfolded as buildings succumbed to the tremors, fires erupted in Wajima, and entire neighborhoods in Noto were flattened. Disturbing videos circulated online, showcasing the earthquake's devastating impact.
Over 33,500 homes were plunged into darkness by power outages, further crippling the affected areas. Shinkansen bullet trains were halted, and major highways remained closed, hindering rescue efforts.
Despite Japan's strict earthquake regulations and preparedness drills, the memories of the 2011 disaster loomed large. The government scrambled to assess the damage and potential casualties, but the immediate focus remained on rescuing those in harm's way.
Lives hung in the balance as Japan faced the aftermath of this seismic nightmare. The world watched with bated breath, offering support and prayers for the nation grappling with this tragedy.
Authorities urged residents to "evacuate immediately" as the tsunami warning remained in effect. The potential for waves reaching 5 meters in the Noto area and 3 meters elsewhere kept the situation critical.
Public television flashed urgent evacuation messages, and an NHK presenter pleaded with viewers, "Your lives are above everything else. Run to the highest ground possible."
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