Japan Tsunami: In the aftermath of a powerful 7.6 magnitude earthquake striking the Noto Peninsula on Japan's northwest coast, triggering tsunami warnings, the Indian embassy in Japan has taken proactive measures. An emergency control room has been set up, and helpline numbers have been issued for Indian citizens residing in the affected regions. The earthquake, which occurred on Monday morning, prompted the embassy to establish immediate communication channels and remain in regular contact with relevant authorities.
A notice from the consulate emphasized the importance of the emergency control room and urged citizens to reach out in connection with the earthquake and ensuing tsunami on January 1, 2024. The embassy also stressed the significance of adhering to instructions provided by local government authorities.
The emergency helpline numbers are:
81-80-3930-1715 (Mr. Yakub Topno)
81-70-1492-0049 (Mr. Ajay Sethi)
81-80-3214-4734 (Mr. D.N.Barnwal)
81-80-6229-5382 (Mr. S. Bhattacharya)
81-80-3214-4722 (Mr. Vivek Rathee)
sscons.tokyo@mea.gov.in
offfseco.tokyo@mea.gov.in
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has issued tsunami warnings for coastal prefectures, including Ishikawa, Niigata, and Toyama. This marks the first major tsunami warning since the devastating events of the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami in northeastern Japan.
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Notably, the warnings indicate the potential for tsunami waves reaching as high as five meters in certain areas, and the Met department has cautioned citizens to remain vigilant for the next two to three days, anticipating earthquakes with a seismic intensity of 7.
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While reports of major injuries are yet to emerge, social media videos depict collapsed houses and fires in various parts of the country. Over 33,500 households are without electricity, as power plant operations were halted in the wake of the seismic activity.
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Japan's Prime Minister, Fumio Kishida, addressed the nation, emphasising the ongoing threat of further earthquakes. Urging residents to remain on high alert and evacuate areas prone to tsunamis promptly, Kishida stated that authorities are actively assessing the extent of the damage caused by the earthquake.
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