By Jean Mackenzie Ishikawa Japan

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Major Earthquake Rocks Japan, Causing Widespread Damage

By Jean Mackenzie, Ishikawa, Japan

Toppled Buildings, Wrecked Boats Seen from Air after Powerful 7.5 Magnitude Quake

A devastating earthquake of 7.5 magnitude struck western Japan on Monday, triggering tsunami warnings and leaving at least four people dead. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the earthquake occurred off Miyazaki Prefecture at 4:42 pm ET at a depth of approximately 18 miles.

Aerial footage captured by NHK, the Japanese public broadcaster, revealed the extent of the destruction, with toppled buildings and wrecked boats visible in coastal areas. The earthquake also triggered a small tsunami, with waves of up to 1.5 feet observed along the coast of Miyazaki Prefecture.

The earthquake has left thousands of people without power, and rescue workers are currently searching for survivors and assessing the damage. Officials are urging residents in affected areas to evacuate to higher ground if they are near the coast.

The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued a warning for aftershocks, advising people to be prepared for additional seismic activity in the coming days.

This major earthquake is a reminder of the constant threat posed by seismic activity in Japan. The country is located on the Ring of Fire, a horseshoe-shaped region around the Pacific Ocean that is prone to frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

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