The eruption disrupted several flights and raised emergency warnings to their highest level for locals and tourists.
Memorials were held in several countries across Asia for the victims of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.
The 2004 tsunami caused devastation across 14 countries, killing 220,000. Asia holds memorials honouring the lives lost.
More than 227,000 people died in the December 26, 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, and experts warn it could happen again.
Tsunami threat has passed for nearby islands after earthquake struck near Vanuatu’s capital Porta Vila.
Fumio Kishida says he will remain in Japan after experts warn of higher than usual risk along Nankai Trough.
Buildings collapse in Hualien, as multiple aftershocks reported in Taipei.
Taiwan authorities report deaths in Hualien County, including three hikers, and say more than 900 were injured.
More than a dozen strong earthquakes struck central Japan, triggering tsunami waves along Honshu’s western coast.
Here are the developments from the major quake and tsunami that hit Japan on Monday January 1, 2024.
![Fire burns following an earthquake in a residential area in Wajima, Ishikawa prefecture, in western Japan on Monday [Kyodo via Reuters]](/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2024-01-01T105156Z_1855410923_RC2Y85A2NKJN_RTRMADP_3_JAPAN-QUAKE-1704114563.jpg?resize=270%2C180&quality=80)
Tsunami threat passes for Vanuatu and New Caledonia, New Zealand warns of dangerous currents, coastal surges.
Prosecutors have argued that the executives were aware of the dangers of a nuclear plant located on Japan’s coast.
Plan will see some 1 million tonnes of water used to cool the ruined plant’s reactors released into the Pacific.
The first 7.0 quake was followed by a second large tremor, cutting power in the capital and disrupting radio broadcasts.
