2024 Sea of Japan earthquake

Earthquake in Japan

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2024 Sea of Japan earthquake

UTC time| 2024-01-01 07:10:09
USGS-ANSS| ComCat
Local date| 1 January 2024 (2024-01-01)
Local time| 16:10:09 JST (UTC+9)
Magnitude| 7.5 Mw
7.6 MJMA
Depth| 10 km (6 mi) (USGS)
Epicenter| 37°29′53″N 137°14′31″E﻿ / ﻿37.498°N 137.242°E﻿ / 37.498; 137.242
Areas affected| Japan
Max. intensity|

* JMA 7
* VIII (Severe)

Tsunami| At least 1.2 m
Foreshocks| 5.7 MJMA
Aftershocks| Largest is 6.1 MJMA
Casualties| 26 injured

On 1 January 2024, at 16:10 JST (07:10 UTC), a Mw 7.5 earthquake struck the Noto Peninsula of Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan.[1] The earthquake also generated a tsunami measuring up to 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in) along the Sea of Japan.[2]

## Tectonic setting[edit]

Main article: Eastern margin of the Sea of Japan

The northeastern tip of the Noto Peninsula has been subject to an earthquake swarm for three years; the earthquake is the largest event in this swarm, surpassing a Mw 6.3 event that took place in May 2023.[3] The earthquake was the strongest to hit the Sea of Japan region since 1983.[2]

Japan is situated on a convergent boundary between the Pacific, Philippine Sea, Okhotsk and Amurian Plates. Along the island arc's east and southeast coast, subduction of the Pacific and Philippine Sea Plates occur at the Japan Trench and Nankai Trough, respectively. The west coast of Honshu, bordering the Sea of Japan, is a north–south trending convergent boundary.[4] This boundary between the Amurian and Okhotsk Plates is thought to be an incipient subduction zone, consisting of eastward-dipping thrust faults.[5] Convergent tectonics have been occurring in the region since the end of the Pliocene.[6] Earthquakes and tsunamis are produced on thrust faults that form the boundary, with magnitudes in the range of 6.8–7.9. Major earthquakes and tsunamis along this boundary occurred in 1741, 1833, 1940, 1964, 1983 and 1993, although the origin of the 1741 tsunami remains open to debate.[7]

## Earthquake[edit]

The United States Geological Survey reported a moment magnitude of 7.5 and focal depth of 10 km (6.2 mi) for the earthquake. The Japan Meteorological Agency recorded a magnitude of MJMA 7.6.[8] The focal mechanism of the mainshock corresponded to shallow reverse faulting along a northeast-trending plane dipping northwest or southeast,[1] happening along the convergent boundary between the Okhotsk Plate and Amurian Plate. A magnitude 5.5 foreshock struck four minutes before the mainshock,[9] while a magnitude 6.2 aftershock struck nine minutes later.[10] At least seven earthquakes with a magnitude of 5.0 and above occurred near the epicenter within two hours of the mainshock.[2]

According to a finite fault model released by the United States Geological Survey, the earthquake rupture extended approximately 200 km (120 mi) from southeast of the Noto Peninsula to Sado Island along a southeast-dipping fault. The zones of largest slip occurred northeast and southwest of the hypocenter. The latter patch produced the largest displacement of 3.67 m (12.0 ft) beneath the peninsula. Another zone of slip occurred between the peninsula and Sado Island; producing up to 1.86 m (6 ft 1 in) of slip. The fault likely ruptured towards the seafloor.[11]

### Intensity[edit]

The Japan Meteorological Agency said it recorded a maximum seismic intensity of 7 (Shindo 7), the highest level on its seismic intensity scale.[12] It is the first time that an earthquake of that intensity was observed in the country since 2018.[13][14] The maximum intensity was reported in Shika, Ishikawa Prefecture. Intensity 6+ was recorded in Nanao, Wajima, Suzu and Anamizu. Intensity 6– was recorded in Nagaoka in Niigata Prefecture and in Ishikawa's Nakanoto and Noto.[15] The earthquake was also felt by residents in Tokyo and across the Kanto Region[2] and as far as Aomori Prefecture in the northern tip of Honshu to Kyushu.[13]

Locations with a seismic intensity of Shindo 5- and higher[16] Intensity | Prefecture  | Location

|
|

7  | Ishikawa | Shika
6+  | Ishikawa  | Nanao, Wajima, Suzu, Anamizu
6-  | Ishikawa  | Nakanoto, Noto
Niigata | Nagaoka
5+  | Ishikawa  | Hakui, Hōdatsushimizu, Kanazawa, Komatsu, Kaga, Kahoku, Nomi
Niigata  | Sanjō, Kashiwazaki, Mitsuke, Minamiuonuma, Kariwa, Itoigawa, Myōkō, Jōetsu, Chūō-ku, Minami-ku, Nishi-ku, Nishikan-ku, Tsubame, Aga, Sado
Toyama | Toyama, Funahashi, Takaoka, Himi, Oyabe, Nanto, Imizu
Fukui | Awara
5-  | Ishikawa  | Hakusan, Tsubata, Uchinada
Niigata  | Ojiya, Kamo, Tōkamachi, Izumozaki, Kita-ku, Higashi-ku, Kōnan-ku, Akiha-ku, Gosen, Agano
Toyama  | Namerikawa, Kurobe, Kamiichi, Tateyama, Asahi, Tonami
Fukui  | Fukui, Sakai
Nagano | Nagano, Shinano, Sakae
Gifu | Takayama, Hida

## Tsunami[edit]

### Japan[edit]

Map of Tsunami Warnings issued by the Japan Meteorological Agency at 1 January 2024 16:22 JST

Large parts of Japan's western coast from Hokkaido to Nagasaki Prefecture were immediately placed under a tsunami warning after the earthquake struck, with evacuation orders issued in Ishikawa, Niigata, Toyama and Yamagata prefectures. The earthquake triggered a major tsunami warning, the first one since the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake. Public broadcaster NHK said tsunami waves of 5 m (16 ft) could be expected.[2] The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said dangerous tsunami waves were possible within 300 km (190 mi) of the epicenter.[17] The evacuation orders affected 51,000 people, with 1,000 evacuees fleeing to the Japan Air Self-Defense Force base in Wajima in Ishikawa Prefecture alone.[18]

The first waves were reported to have arrived at around 16:21,[2] with tsunami waves exceeding 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in) striking Wajima.[19] A tsunami measuring 80 cm (31 in) struck Toyama Prefecture,[2] while a tsunami of 40 cm (16 in) was recorded at Kashiwazaki[20] and in Kanazawa. A 20 cm (7.9 in) tsunami was also recorded at Tobishima and Sado Island.[21] A tsunami also struck Yamagata Prefecture.[2] In Toyama city, a 0.5 m (1 ft 8 in) wave was reported.[19]

The major tsunami warning was later downgraded to a tsunami warning at 20:30, about four hours after the earthquake.[22]

### Elsewhere along the Sea of Japan[edit]

The coastlines of Gangwon Province and Pohang in South Korea could experience a rise in sea levels according to the Korea Meteorological Administration.[21][20] Waves of 0.3 m (1 ft 0 in) were anticipated along the nation's east coast from 18:29 to 19:17 local time.[23] A 0.45 m (1 ft 6 in) tsunami was later reported to have occurred.[24] According to Yonhap News Agency, citing North Korean state radio, a tsunami warning was issued with waves of 2.08 m (6 ft 10 in) potentially hitting the country's east coast.[24] A 0.67 m (2.2 ft) high wave reportedly hit Mukho at around 20:00 local time.[25]

Warnings for tsunamis estimated to reach 1 m (3 ft 3 in) were also issued in Russia, particularly along the west coast of Sakhalin Island,[26] where evacuations were conducted,[27] although Russia later said that no evacuations were taking place there.[28] Tsunami warnings were also declared in Vladivostok and Nakhodka.[29] The Emergencies Ministry of Russia said "response teams are ready to deal with the possible consequences of a tsunami."[30]

## Impact[edit]

A fire department in Wajima said 30 buildings collapsed in Ishikawa Prefecture.[31][32] At least 36,000 households lost power following the earthquake.[20] A fire occurred in Wajima at 17:00. Due to damaged roads, firefighters were unable to extinguish the flames,[33] which consumed a row of several homes.[34] The Ishikawa Nanao Police Station said collapsed homes trapped people before they were rescued.[35] At least 10 people were buried by collapsed homes, according to the Asahi Shimbun[36] while multiple injuries were reported by the local fire and health departments. A spokesperson at Wajima Municipal Hospital said people had broken bones or were injured by falling objects.[37]

Cracked roads and broken water mains were reported in the cities of Himi and Oyabe, Toyama Prefecture.[38] Ten people in the prefecture were injured, while over 100 buildings were damaged.[37] In Niigata Prefecture, nine people were injured, many buildings collapsed, and roads were damaged.[37][39] In Fukui Prefecture, five people sustained minor injuries.[37] Two injuries were also reported in Osaka Prefecture.[40] Liquefaction occurred in Niigata; sewer pipes also ruptured and many homes were left without water.[41] Both Softbank and KDDI reported telecommunications and internet service disruptions in Ishikawa and Niigata prefectures.[42]

## Response[edit]

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced the establishment of a special emergency center to gather and disseminate information on the earthquake and tsunami. The Japan Self-Defense Forces participated in rescue efforts.[26]

Kansai Electric Power Company, Tokyo Electric Power Company and Hokuriku Electric Power Company said they were inspecting their nuclear power plants for abnormalities.[2][43][42] Both the Kansai[23] and Hokuriku Electric Power Companies later said no abnormalities were reported,[44] with the reactors at the latter's Shika Nuclear Power Plant in Ishikawa Prefecture having been closed for inspections at the time of the earthquake. The Japanese Nuclear Regulation Authority also found no irregularities in power plants along the Sea of Japan coastline.[32]

Shinkansen services were suspended in central and eastern parts of Japan following the earthquake.[45] Several major highways in the affected areas were also closed.[46] All Nippon Airways and Japan Airlines cancelled flights to Toyama, Ishikawa, and Niigata prefectures.[42]

## See also[edit]

* Japan portal
* Earth sciences portal

* List of earthquakes in 2024
* List of earthquakes in Japan
* 2007 Noto earthquake
* 2023 Ishikawa earthquake

## References[edit]

1. ^ a b "M 7.5 - 42 km NE of Anamizu, Japan". United States Geological Survey. 1 January 2024. Archived from the original on 1 January 2024. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
2. ^ a b c d e f g h i "Strong quake prompts tsunami warning for Japan's northwestern coast". The Japan Times. 1 January 2024. Archived from the original on 1 January 2024. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
3. ^ "令和５年５月５日14時42分頃の石川県能登地方の地震について" (PDF) (in Japanese). Japan Meteorological Agency. Archived (PDF) from the original on 5 May 2023. Retrieved 6 May 2023.
4. ^ Mulia, Iyan E.; Ishibe, Takeo; Satake, Kenji; Gusman, Aditya Riadi; Murotani, Satoko (3 September 2020). "Regional probabilistic tsunami hazard assessment associated with active faults along the eastern margin of the Sea of Japan". Earth, Planets and Space. 72 (123): 123. Bibcode:2020EP&S...72..123M. doi:10.1186/s40623-020-01256-5. S2CID 221463717.
5. ^ Hurukawa, Nobuo; Harada, Tomoya (2013). "Fault plane of the 1964 Niigata earthquake, Japan, derived from relocation of the mainshock and aftershocks by using the modified joint hypocenter determination and grid search methods". Earth, Planets and Space. 65 (12): 1441–1447. Bibcode:2013EP&S...65.1441H. doi:10.5047/eps.2013.06.007. S2CID 73567424.
6. ^ Tamaki, Kensaku; Honza, Eiichi (20 October 1985). "Incipient subduction and deduction along the eastern margin of the Japan Sea". Tectonophysics. 119 (1–4): 381–406. Bibcode:1985Tectp.119..381T. doi:10.1016/0040-1951(85)90047-2. Archived from the original on 20 June 2022. Retrieved 20 June 2022.
7. ^ Satake, Kenji (2007). "Volcanic origin of the 1741 Oshima-Oshima tsunami in the Japan Sea" (PDF). Earth Planets Space. 59 (5): 381–390. Bibcode:2007EP&S...59..381S. doi:10.1186/BF03352698. S2CID 55372867. Archived (PDF) from the original on 24 August 2021. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
8. ^ "Earthquake and Seismic Intensity Information part 2". Japan Meteorological Agency. Archived from the original on 12 June 2021. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
9. ^ National Earthquake Information Center (1 January 2023). "M 5.5 - 42 km NE of Anamizu, Japan". United States Geological Survey. Archived from the original on 1 January 2024. Retrieved 1 January 2023.
10. ^ National Earthquake Information Center (1 January 2023). "M 6.2 - 4 km SSW of Anamizu, Japan". United States Geological Survey. Archived from the original on 1 January 2024. Retrieved 1 January 2023.
11. ^ "Finite fault". United States Geological Survey. 1 January 2024. Archived from the original on 1 January 2024. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
12. ^ "Massive earthquake strikes Japan, major tsunami warning issued for Ishikawa". NHK World-Japan. 1 January 2024. Archived from the original on 1 January 2024. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
13. ^ a b "M7.4 quake rocks central Japan, large tsunami warning issued". Mainichi Shimbun. 1 January 2024. Archived from the original on 1 January 2024. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
14. ^ "石川県能登地方で震度7の地震 新潟県でも震度6弱 M7.6". NHK. 1 January 2024. Archived from the original on 1 January 2024. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
15. ^ "石川県能登地方で震度7の地震 新潟県でも震度6弱 M7.6" [An earthquake with a seismic intensity of 7 in the Noto region of Ishikawa Prefecture and a seismic intensity of 6 lower in Niigata Prefecture M7.6]. NHK (in Japanese). 1 January 2024. Archived from the original on 1 January 2024. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
16. ^ "Earthquake information". Japan Meteorological Agency. 1 January 2024. Archived from the original on 1 January 2024. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
17. ^ "5-meter tsunami waves possible for 300km along Japan coast–agencies". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Agence France-Presse. 1 January 2024. Archived from the original on 1 January 2024. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
18. ^ "M7.6 quake rocks Sea of Japan areas, large tsunami warning issued". Kyodo News. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
19. ^ a b "Tsunami reach Japan Sea coast following major quake". NHK. 1 January 2024. Archived from the original on 1 January 2024. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
20. ^ a b c "Japan issues major tsunami warning for coastal prefecture after 7.6 magnitude earthquake". The Guardian. 1 January 2024. Archived from the original on 1 January 2024. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
21. ^ a b "7.5-magnitude earthquake hits western Japan triggering tsunami warning". CNN. 1 January 2024. Archived from the original on 1 January 2024. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
22. ^ Montgomery, Hanako (1 January 2024). "Live updates: Japan earthquake: 7.5-magnitude quake hits, triggering tsunami warning". CNN. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
23. ^ a b Ng, Kelly (1 January 2024). "Tsunami warning in Japan after strong earthquake". BBC News. Archived from the original on 1 January 2024. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
24. ^ a b "North Korea issues tsunami warning for east coast". Sky News. 1 January 2024. Archived from the original on 1 January 2024. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
25. ^ "周辺国でも津波観測、韓国北東部で67センチ 能登地震". The Nikkei. 1 January 2024. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
26. ^ a b Kageyama, Yuri (1 January 2024). "Japan issues tsunami warnings after a series of very strong earthquakes on the Sea of Japan coast". Associated Press News. Archived from the original on 1 January 2024. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
27. ^ "Russia says Sakhalin island under threat from Japan tsunami, evacuations underway". The Jerusalem Post. Reuters. 1 January 2024. Archived from the original on 1 January 2024. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
28. ^ "На Сахалине объявили угрозу цунами после серии землетрясений в Японии" (in Russian). TASS. 1 January 2024. Archived from the original on 1 January 2024. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
29. ^ "Russia declares tsunami warning in far eastern cities - TASS cites mayoralties". The Jerusalem Post. Reuters. 1 January 2024. Archived from the original on 1 January 2024. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
30. ^ "Russian Emergencies Ministry issues tsunami warning for Sakhalin island after Japan quakes". TASS. 1 January 2024. Archived from the original on 1 January 2024. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
31. ^ "Japan earthquake latest: Major tsunami warning after quakes - as local residents urged to evacuate: Firefighters dealing with at least 30 collapsed buildings". Sky News. 1 January 2024. Archived from the original on 1 January 2024. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
32. ^ a b "Magnitude 7.6 earthquake strikes Japan, triggering tsunami warning". Rappler. Reuters. 1 January 2024. Archived from the original on 1 January 2024. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
33. ^ Yilong, Chen (1 January 2024). "【日本元旦強震】輪島市發生火災、道路斷裂恐影響救火" [[Strong Earthquake on New Year’s Day, Japan] Fire breaks out in Wajima City, road breakage may affect firefighting] (in Chinese). Tai Sounds. Archived from the original on 1 January 2024. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
34. ^ "日本石川7.6強震大規模停電！「大火狂燒整排民宅」 漫天黑煙畫面曝光" [Massive power outage caused by 7.6 strong earthquake in Ishikawa, Japan! "Fire rages through entire row of houses" footage of black smoke in the sky exposed] (in Chinese). FTNN. 1 January 2024. Archived from the original on 1 January 2024. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
35. ^ "石川 七尾警察署「建物の倒壊 数か所 一時閉じ込めも救出」" [Ishikawa Nanao Police Station ``Several buildings collapsed, people temporarily trapped were rescued] (in Japanese). NHK. 1 January 2024. Archived from the original on 1 January 2024. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
36. ^ Luo, Ou Jing; Hua, Cheng Yi (1 January 2024). "原文網址: 日本7.6級地震多傷醫院人手不足 日媒：10宗民眾被埋報告" [Japan's 7.6-magnitude earthquake left many injured hospitals understaffed. Japanese media: 10 reports of people being buried] (in Chinese). HK01. Archived from the original on 1 January 2024. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
37. ^ a b c d "【被害まとめ】石川県で震度7 けが人の情報相次ぐ 火災も" [[Summary of damage] Earthquake of magnitude 7 in Ishikawa prefecture; reports of injuries and fires reported one after another]. NHK. 1 January 2024. Archived from the original on 1 January 2024. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
38. ^ "Quake damage reported in Toyama Prefecture". NHK. 1 January 2024. Archived from the original on 1 January 2024. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
39. ^ "地震被害 新潟県で９人がけが（２０：３０)" [Earthquake damage: 9 people injured in Niigata Prefecture (20:30)] (in Japanese). NHK. 1 January 2024. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
40. ^ "大阪府内で２人けが（午後８時）" (in Japanese). NHK. 1 January 2024. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
41. ^ "新潟市内で液状化現象を確認、断水も 石川で震度７" [Liquefaction phenomenon confirmed in Niigata city, water outage also occurred, seismic intensity 7 in Ishikawa] (in Japanese). Sankei Shimbun. 1 January 2024. Archived from the original on 1 January 2024. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
42. ^ a b c "Magnitude 7.6 earthquake strikes Japan, tsunami warning issued". Channel News Asia. Reuters. 1 January 2024. Archived from the original on 1 January 2024. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
43. ^ "Magnitude 7.4 earthquake strikes Japan, tsunami warning issued". Reuters. 1 January 2024. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
44. ^ "Magnitude 7.6 Earthquake Strikes Japan, Tsunami Warning Issued". Voice of America. Reuters. 1 January 2024. Archived from the original on 1 January 2024. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
45. ^ "Bullet train services suspended in central, eastern Japan after quake". Mainichi Shimbun. 1 January 2024. Archived from the original on 1 January 2024. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
46. ^ "Major Highways Closed Near Epicentre Of Japan Quakes". Barron's. 1 January 2024. Retrieved 1 January 2024.

## External links[edit]

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← Earthquakes in 2024

January|

* Ishikawa, Japan (7.5, January 1)

* † indicates earthquake resulting in at least 30 deaths
* ‡ indicates the deadliest earthquake of the year
* Dates for all earthquakes are in UTC

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Earthquakes in Japan

Historical|

* 684 Hakuho
* 869 Jōgan
* 1293 Kamakura
* 1361 Shōhei
* 1498 Meiō
* 1586 Tenshō
* 1596 Fushimi
* 1605 Keichō
* 1611 Aizu
* 1611 Sanriku
* 1662 Kanbun
* 1677 Bōsō
* 1703 Genroku
* 1707 Hōei
* 1741 Kampo
* 1771 Great Yaeyama
* 1792 Unzen
* 1804 Kisakata
* 1828 Sanjō
* 1833 Shōnai
* 1847 Zenkoji
* 1854 Iga–Ueno
* 1854 Nankai
* 1854 Tōkai
* 1855 Edo
* 1858 Hietsu
* 1872 Hamada
* 1889 Kumamoto
* 1891 Mino–Owari
* 1894 Tokyo
* 1894 Shōnai
* 1896 Sanriku
* 1896 Rikuu

20th century|

* 1911 Kikai Island
* 1914 Senboku
* 1923 Great Kantō
* 1925 North Tajima
* 1927 North Tango
* 1930 North Izu
* 1933 Sanriku
* 1936 Miyagi
* 1939 Oga
* 1940 Shakotan
* 1941 Hyūga-nada
* 1943 Tottori
* 1944 Tōnankai
* 1945 Mikawa
* 1946 Nankai
* 1948 Fukui
* 1952 Tokachi
* 1961 North Mino
* 1963 Kuril Islands
* 1964 Niigata
* 1968 Ebino
* 1968 Hyūga-nada
* 1968 Tokachi
* 1973 Nemuro Peninsula
* 1974 Izu Peninsula
* 1978 Izu Ōshima
* 1978 Miyagi
* 1982 Urakawa
* 1983 Sea of Japan
* 1984 Nagano
* 1993 Kushiro
* 1993 Okushiri
* 1994 offshore Sanriku
* 1995 Hanshin
* 2000 Tottori

21st century|

* 2001 Geiyo
* 2003 Miyagi
* 2003 Tokachi
* 2004 Chūetsu
* 2005 Fukuoka
* 2005 Miyagi
* 2006 Kuril Islands
* 2007 Chūetsu
* 2007 Kuril Islands
* 2007 Noto
* 2008 Iwate–Miyagi
* 2008 Iwate
* 2009 Shizuoka
* 2011 Tōhoku
* 2011 Nagano
* 2011 Shizuoka
* April 2011 Miyagi
* April 2011 Fukushima
* 2012 Chiba
* 2012 Sanriku
* 2014 Nagano
* 2015 Ogasawara
* 2016 Kumamoto
* 2016 Tottori
* 2016 Fukushima
* 2018 Osaka
* 2018 Hokkaido Eastern Iburi
* 2019 Yamagata
* 2021 Fukushima
* 2021 Miyagi
* 2021 Chiba
* 2022 Fukushima
* 2023 Ishikawa
* 2024 Ishikawa

Related articles|

* Tōkai earthquakes
* Nankai megathrust earthquakes
* Kantō earthquakes
* South Kantō earthquakes
* Matsushiro earthquake swarm

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