A 7.4 magnitude earthquake hit eastern Japan on the night of Wednesday, March 16. The earthquake killed at least four people and injured over 100 others and cut power to millions of homes.
The earthquake hit Japan’s eastern prefecture, Fukushima. This was the same area that was hit by a powerful earthquake and tsunami that caused a melt down of a nuclear power plant 11 years ago.
After the quake, a tsunami watch was issued for the prefecture, but was lifted Thursday, March 17, in the morning. Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida stated that no abnormalities were detected in the nuclear power plants.
After the quake, an 8-inch tsunami occurred along the coastline, encoring people to stay away from the coast.
The earthquake also caused a bullet train to derail. 78 people were trapped for four hours after the train derailed but no injuries were reported.
Despite power being restored to Tokyo, it is still advised to take caution. The Meteorology Agency urged the public to watch for more seismic activity, as well as to stay away from the coast and to not enter the ocean. He also warned to be careful of the risk of mudslides.