Massive earthquake 7.6 hits Japan

Japan experienced one of the most devastating natural disasters in its history - a massive earthquake measuring 7.6 on the Richter scale. The tremors were felt across the country, leaving behind a trail of destruction and despair.

The earthquake struck with little warning, catching many off guard. Buildings crumbled like sandcastles, roads split open like wounds, and lives were shattered in an instant. The sheer force of nature was unleashed upon Japan, leaving its people reeling from the aftermath.

The earthquake left six people dead in Ishikawa prefecture, and dozens have been injured in four other prefectures, including Toyama and Niigata, Japanese public broadcaster NHK reported, citing hospitals and local authorities.

The earthquake struck at 4:10 p.m. local time at a depth of 10 kilometers (6 miles) in the Noto Peninsula of Ishikawa prefecture, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

Colorado because of its lower earthquake risk, thousands of seismic stations around the world send their data to the center. 

Now seismologists are working to understand how the fault on Japan's coast ruptured. 

"This is the main shock, and you can start to see the aftershocks come in," said seismologist Jessica Turner, while gesturing to waveforms on a screen.

Ishikawa were also suspended, as phone and internet services caused disruptions in Ishikawa and Niigata.

West Japan Railway reported late on Monday that a combined 1,400 passengers remained stuck on four halted bullet train services between Kanazawa and Toyama cities.

One of Ishikawa’s airports was forced to shut due to cracks that had opened up in the runway, transport authorities said.

Japanese airline ANA turned back planes headed to airports in Toyama and Ishikawa, while Japan Airlines cancelled most of its services to the Niigata and Ishikawa regions.

Suzu city officials in Ishikawa told CNN that buildings have been damaged and there were reports of injuries. Police in the city said some people were trapped in damaged houses, according to NHK.

Hospital officials in Suzu said they received injured people, adding that some doctors were unable to make it to work because of damaged roads, NHK reported.

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Sarah H

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