Earthquake Japan 2024

Japan Earthquake: Live Coverage

Powerful Quake Strikes Western Japan

Updated: January 2, 2024 at 1:33 PM EST

A strong earthquake struck the Noto Peninsula in western Japan on January 1, 2024, causing significant damage and casualties. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has reported that the magnitude 7.6 earthquake occurred at around 10:10 AM local time, with an epicenter approximately 30 kilometers off the coast of Ishikawa Prefecture.

According to the latest reports, at least 20 people have been confirmed dead and over 100 injured as a result of the earthquake. Hundreds of homes have been damaged or destroyed, and infrastructure has been severely affected. The Japanese government has issued a tsunami warning for the west coast of the country, including the prefectures of Ishikawa, Fukui, and Toyama.

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has reported that the earthquake was caused by a shallow reverse fault on the west coast of Japan. Strong shaking was felt in the affected areas, triggering landslides and causing buildings to collapse. The JMA has warned that aftershocks are likely to continue in the coming days and weeks.