Powerful earthquakes along Japan’s western coast leave multiple people dead

A series of powerful earthquakes, including a magnitude 7.6 tremor, have caused significant damage and fatalities in western Japan, prompting warnings of the potential for further strong quakes.

The aftermath: At least eight people have died in Wajima city, with seven others seriously injured and many homes damaged beyond immediate assessment.
* Aftershocks continue to impact the affected areas, prompting officials to warn people to stay away from their homes due to the risk of more earthquakes.
* Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has announced that saving lives is the priority, emphasizing efforts towards immediate rescue.

Efforts in response: Japan’s military has dispatched 1,000 soldiers to aid in rescue efforts, amidst what Kishida acknowledges as “large-scale damage.”
* Firefighters are battling a significant fire in Wajima city, and reports indicate that several nuclear plants in the region are functioning normally.

Significant damage: Video reports show rows of collapsed houses and overturned cars, with half-sunken ships visible along muddied coastlines where tsunami waves had rolled in.
* Tsunami warnings were issued for the western coast of Japan’s main island, Honshu, and for northern island, Hokkaido, but were lifted early on Tuesday.
* Nevertheless, the agency warns that more major quakes could hit the area over the next few days.

Global response: U.S. President Joe Biden has stated that his administration is ready to assist Japan as necessary.
* Japan often experiences earthquakes due to its location along the “Ring of Fire,” an arc of volcanoes and fault lines in the Pacific Basin.
View original article on NPR
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