Caught on camera: Metro station platform swings, then turns dark as earthquake hits Japan

Japan was hit by a series of earthquakes on New Year’s Day, killing at least 12 people and bringing the island nation to almost a standstill. News footage and videos that have surfaced on social media captured the moment the first earthquake of 7.6 magnitude hit Japan, triggering authorities to sound tsunami warnings.

Visuals show display boards and the entire platform of a metro station swinging rapidly and then turning dark after the strong quake hit Japan. Other videos showed stone pillars in what appeared to be a shrine trembling rapidly as people run to save their lives.

Though the Japanese authorities are still trying to comprehend the length and breadth of the destruction of the 155 earthquakes that hit the island nation, news footage showed toppled buildings, cars under house, and sunken boats at a port. The jolts also triggered a massive fire in Wajima town that razed at least 50 homes and engulfed the area in thick smoke, as captured in pictures.

More than 32,000 households remained without power, with no water supply reported from some areas as well. Army personnel dispatched for rescue operations struggled as work was hindered due to badly damaged roads or blocked roads. One of the airports in Noto Peninsula developed cracks on the runway, while many rail and flight services into the region were suspended.

Thousands of army personnel have been deployed to Japan’s relatively remote Noto Peninsula, the country’s worst-affected region in the earthquakes. However, rescue operations have been disrupted owing to damaged and blocked roads, including one of the area’s airports shutting down due to cracks on the runway. Many rail services and flights into the area have also been suspended, Reuters reported.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said the country is facing a “battle against time” as services continue with their search and rescue operations. He further said that he has instructed the rescue teams to reach the worst-hit areas however ways possible.