A massive earthquake hit Ishikawa, Japan on New Year’s Day triggering a high-level tsunami alert. The earthquake had a magnitude of 7.6, one of the largest earthquakes to happen in Japan after the earthquake in 2011 with a 9.1 magnitude.

The quake stretched out towards the west coast of Japan where it collapsed many buildings and sparked fires. Electricity was out for more than 30,000 households. At least six of the collapsed homes were reported to still have citizens trapped inside, government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi said.

Many citizens were injured and possibly more killed. Kyodo News reported four deaths, citing the Ishikawa prefectural government. NHK TV broadcasted a tsunami warning telling citizens to evacuate from certain areas. Hayashi stressed how critical it is for citizens to evacuate from coastal areas to avoid the oncoming tsunami. “Every minute counts. Please evacuate to a safe area immediately,” he said.

The aftermath of the earthquake left many devastated. Homes and buildings are now rubble and many citizens caught up in the earthquake still remain missing persons. The search for them under the rubble is still ongoing. Prime Minister Kishida said members of Japan’s Self Defense Force joined the police and fire emergency teams in rescuing people from devastated areas. “Rescue efforts are a battle against time. Especially the victims of collapsed buildings, have to be saved as soon as possible,” he said.

Tsunami warnings were later canceled as the threat of further tsunami waves diminished.