South Korea’s meteorological agency reported that a tsunami measuring under one meter (3.3 ft) reached the country’s east coast following a significant earthquake in Japan on Monday.
The initial wave measured 67 cm (2.2 ft), but the agency warned that there could be larger waves in the coming hours, with the potential for continuing tsunami activity for over 24 hours.
The earthquake, with a preliminary magnitude of 7.6, struck north-central Japan, prompting a tsunami warning for the western coastal regions of Ishikawa, Niigata, and Toyama prefectures.
North Korea also issued tsunami warnings for its coast, anticipating waves of more than 2 meters.
South Korea’s Gangwon province urged residents to take precautions and evacuate to higher ground, specifically advising those along the coast to move to elevated areas.
Reports from the affected region indicated significant destruction, including damaged houses and cracks in roads. Videos shared on social media showcased the aftermath.
Tsunami waves of up to 5 meters high were expected in Noto, Ishikawa Prefecture, according to the weather agency. Waves exceeding 1 meter hit the coast of Wajima City in Ishikawa Prefecture.
Concerns arose about potential nuclear disasters, given the presence of nuclear reactors in the region. However, the government stated that no abnormalities were reported, easing fears of a repeat of the 2011 Fukushima nuclear reactor incident.
Russia also declared tsunami warnings for parts of Sakhalin island’s western coast and the mainland Primorsk and Khabarovsk regions, situated near Japan on Russia’s Pacific seaboard.
Authorities in Vladivostok advised those in local waters to return to the shore urgently. While reports initially suggested evacuations on Sakhalin, Russia’s emergency ministries denied these claims, stating that the waves were not considered life-threatening.
