As we enter the New Year, Japan was struck by a massive 7.6 magnitude earthquake that put the entire nation on a tsunami alert.
Thankfully, no significant tsunamis seemed to hit the island nation.
However, massive cracks and damage to infrastructure were found all across Japan.
Watch this video here:
WATCH: New shocking footage emerged of the time when massive 7.5 magnitude earthquake rattled Japan
— Insider Paper (@TheInsiderPaper) January 1, 2024
Fox News shares more on the story:
Japanese authorities issued tsunami alerts and evacuation announcements Monday after a series of earthquakes shook the west part of the main island.
A 7.6 magnitude earthquake was reported around 4 p.m., the strongest of more than a dozen documented by the Japan Meteorological Agency.
Major tsunami warnings were issued for Ishikawa prefecture, while the rest of the country’s western coast was also issued less severe warnings. The highest-level alert was later lifted, though coastal residents were told to remain away from their homes due to the danger of deadly waves.
“Every minute counts. Please evacuate to a safe area immediately,” said government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi.
State television station NHK warned residents of rising water up to 16.5 feet.
A 10-foot tsunami was predicted to make landfall in Niigata prefecture on the coast of the Sea of Japan.
More footage continues to emerge on X of the terrifying earthquake:
https://twitter.com/grindfacetv/status/1741882848850989566
I've been in an #earthquake or two in my day, growing up in California. I experienced the 1989 quake. That was wild.
But this one in Japan has been the longest-lasting quake I've ever seen in my lowly 51 years of existence. The entire 2-minute video+.pic.twitter.com/NbJixPPPuk
— Johnny Akzam (@JohnnyAkzam) January 1, 2024
More from the Associated Press News:
People returning to get their wallets and other belongings have been known to be swept away and drowned even hours after the first evacuation warning. People were evacuated to stadiums, where they will likely have to stay for a few days.
Japanese media footage showed people running through the streets, and red smoke spewing from a fire in a residential neighborhood. Photos showed a crowd of people, including a woman with a baby on her back, standing by huge cracks that had ripped through the pavement.
Some people sustained minor injuries when they tripped and fell while fleeing, or objects fell off shelves and hit them, according to NHK.
Hayashi said no reports of deaths or injuries were confirmed from the quakes, saying the situation was still unclear. Japan’s military was taking part in rescue efforts, he said.
The way the Earth opens up following these massive earthquakes is frightening.
Japan is fortunate that no significant tsunamis affected their nation.
I pray for anyone who was injured during this disaster.
We will keep you updated on any further developments.
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