A significant earthquake struck central Japan on January 1st, 2024. The earthquake, with a preliminary magnitude of 7.6, triggered a tsunami warning and advisories for residents to evacuate, particularly in coastal areas​​. This event is part of a series of powerful earthquakes that have affected western Japan, with a reported total of 155 quakes since that day​​. The earthquake measured 7 on Japan's shindo scale, which is the highest rating on this scale, and led to tsunami warnings along the country's western coast​​.

As of the latest reports, at least 30 individuals have tragically lost their lives due to these earthquakes​​​​. In response to the disaster, tsunami warnings were issued by the Japan Meteorological Agency for various prefectures including Ishikawa, Niigata, and Toyama​​. Additionally, international support has been indicated, with the UK expressing readiness to assist Japan in this challenging time​​.

This earthquake series is notably significant as it prompted the first major tsunami warnings in Japan since the devastating 2011 earthquake and tsunami, which had a profound impact on northeastern Japan, leading to nearly 20,000 fatalities and triggering nuclear meltdowns in Fukushima​​.