Japan earthquake: 30 killed, several feared trapped as rescue op continues
Several people are feared trapped under the rubble of collapsed buildings.
A massive earthquake of magnitude 7.5 hit north central Japan on Monday, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The quake prompted Japanese authorities to issue a tsunami warning along the coastal regions of Ishikawa, Niigata and Toyama prefectures.
The tsunami warning urged people to evacuate coastal areas with waves of up to 5 meters predicted for the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa.
The depth of the earthquake was 10 km and the epicentre was 42 km NE of Anamizu, Japan, the USGS said.
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The damage reports due to the earthquake were yet to come but several videos shared social media showed people taking shelter as the earthquake shook the buildings.
The tremors of the earthquake were also felt across Tokyo.
Meanwhile, the Japan PM Office has issued instructions amid the pressing situation.
It asked the officials to provide timely and accurate information to the public regarding the tsunami and evacuation and take thorough measures to prevent damage, such as the evacuation of residents.
“Assess the state of affairs regarding damage as soon as possible,” it said.
The PM Office further asked the officials to act in close coordination with local governments and under the principle of prioritizing human life above all else.
Earlier last month, a similar intensity earthquake had struck Mindanao, Philippines, promoting authorities to issue a warning of tsunami in Philippines and Japan.
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