Tsunami flooded over 100 ha (247 acres) in Ishikawa following M7.6 quake, Japan
A tsunami triggered by a M7.6 earthquake on January 1, 2024, has flooded at least 100 ha (247 acres) of land in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan.

A tsunami triggered by a M7.6 earthquake on January 1, 2024, has flooded at least 100 ha (247 acres) of land in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan.

A powerful M7.6 earthquake struck Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan, at 07:10 UTC (16:10 local time) on January 1, 2024, leaving extensive damage, at least 126 fatalities, and prompting a massive rescue effort. The quake led to tsunami waves of more than 120 cm (3.9 feet) and significant crustal changes, with up to 3 m (10 feet) of displacement in some areas. The region faces ongoing aftershocks and difficult rescue conditions.

A very strong and shallow earthquake registered by the JMA as M7.6 hit near the west coast of Honshu, Japan at 07:10 UTC (16:10 local time) on January 1, 2024. USGS and EMSC are reporting it as M7.5 at a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles).

A severe snowstorm warning has been issued for northern Japan, with heavy snowfall, strong winds, and rough seas forecast through at least December 19, 2023, leading to hazardous travel conditions.

Thousands of dead fish were discovered along the shores of northern Japan on December 7, 2023, prompting authorities to initiate an investigation.

On November 1, 2023, a new island was born approximately 1 km (0.62 miles) off the southern coast of Iwoto Island, Japan, following intense volcanic activity. This latest addition to the Ogasawara island chain, now nearly merging with Iwoto, was first identified by military personnel stationed there.

On November 1, 2023, military personnel located on Iwoto Island witnessed the birth of a new island following intense volcanic activity. The eruption, which occurred 1 km (0.62 miles) off the island’s southern coast, was preceded by frequent volcanic tremors since October 21.

Japan observed its hottest November day on record on November 3, 2023, with over 300 weather stations reporting record-breaking temperatures for this time of year.

Japan’s Izu Islands and parts of the Pacific Coast near Tokyo experienced tsunami waves up to 60 cm (2 feet) in height triggered by a shallow M5.0 earthquake that occurred at 20:26 UTC on October 8, 2023 (05:26 local time, October 9). The quake’s epicenter was situated near the uninhabited Torishima Island at the southern end of the Izu chain and is part of an ongoing earthquake swarm in the region.

A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the JMA as M6.3 hit Izu Islands, Japan at 01:31 UTC on October 6, 2023. The agency is reporting a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). USGS and EMSC are reporting M6.1 at a depth of 10 km.