A series of 155 earthquakes struck Japan on New Year's Day, claiming at least 12 lives and forcing thousands to evacuate. The initial 7.6 magnitude quake triggered tsunami warnings, causing waves up to 5-feet high. Rescue efforts face obstacles with damaged roads and halted transport services, hindering access to the worst-affected Noto Peninsula. Major highways remain non-operational, leaving 33,000 households without power. The earthquakes also prompted tsunami warnings in Russia, South Korea, and North Korea. US President Joe Biden pledges support, emphasizing the strong bond between the US and Japan. The disaster revives concerns over Japan's vulnerability to seismic activity, with authorities warning of potential further shocks.

Japan has lowered its highest-level tsunami alert that was issued following powerful earthquakes, including a magnitude 7.6 quake, on Honshu's west coast. Despite the downgrade, coastal residents have been warned against returning home due to the threat of deadly waves. The Monday quakes caused building collapses with residents inside them and a fire in Wajima City, Ishikawa prefecture. Electricity was out for more than 30,000 households. The Japan Meteorological Agency reported over a dozen quakes in the Japan Sea, with expected aftershocks. While the immediate casualties remained unclear, the warning persisted for potential waves reaching up to 3 meters. The situation prompted vigilance as Japan grappled with the aftermath and possible further seismic activity.

Rajasthan's Phalodi experienced its coldest day at 5.6 degrees Celsius, marking the lowest temperature in the state. Jaipur recorded a minimum of 7.6 degrees Celsius on the New Year's first day. Other cities like Jaisalmer, Bikaner, and Sirohi reported chilly temperatures. Alwar and Sriganganagar recorded 8.2 degrees, with Pilani at 8.5 degrees. The state observed dry weather with moderate to dense fog in some areas. Meteorological department officials shared these details as residents bundled up to combat the cold.

Following a powerful 7.6 magnitude earthquake in Japan, the meteorological agency issues a two-three day warning for seismic activity with intensity 7. Tsunamis, including a reported 5-meter-high wave in Ishikawa, pose threats to regions like Nigata, Nagano, and Toyama. Wajima experiences a four-feet-high tsunami wave. Houses are damaged, power outages occur, and bullet train services halt. Over 36,000 households lose power, but no nuclear plant irregularities are reported. Prime Minister Kishida urges vigilance as the government assesses the extent of damage, recalling the devastating 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan's northeastern region.

The first tsunami waves have hit Japan's coast after a powerful 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck off the northwest coast on Monday. Japan's meteorological agency issued major tsunami warnings, with waves expected to reach up to 5 meters in some areas. Dramatic footage showed the tsunami slamming into coastal towns, flooding streets and sweeping away cars and debris. People were urged to evacuate to higher ground immediately. Smaller waves have already reached some areas. There are no immediate reports of major damage or casualties. Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation as further waves could strike coastal regions.

Japan faced a seismic jolt as a magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck north-central regions, triggering a tsunami warning for coastal areas of Ishikawa, Niigata, and Toyama prefectures. Reports of damage are yet to emerge. Hokuriku Electric Power is checking nuclear plants for irregularities. NHK warns of potential 5-meter-high waves and urges immediate evacuation to higher ground. South Korea anticipates rising sea levels on its east coast. Kansai Electric Power reports no abnormalities at nuclear plants. High-speed trains halt in Ishikawa. The situation unfolds after a series of powerful quakes hit western Japan.

Dense fog grips North India, including Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, with zero visibility in some areas. IMD predicts fog persistence until January 4, impacting travel. Jorhat, Pathankot, Bathinda, Jammu, and Agra record minimal visibility. Airport delays and 23 trains running late reported due to poor visibility. Very dense fog conditions expected in Punjab, West Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi, and Uttarakhand. Cold day conditions in parts of Punjab and Haryana till December 31. Rainfall/snowfall forecast in northern regions and light rainfall in south India till January 3. Travelers urged to exercise caution.

Residents along Southern California's Ventura County coast received temporary evacuation warnings due to high surf, reaching up to 20 feet. Officials urged caution near the Pacific Coast Highway, and some streets were closed. Ventura Mayor Joe Schroeder termed the surf as an "extraordinary event." While no injuries or damage were reported on Saturday, the evacuation warning remains until waves recede. Earlier in the week, eight people were rescued from surf-related injuries. Coastal areas experienced flooding, with some street closures. Despite challenges, surfers in Seal Beach took advantage of the impressive waves, describing it as one of the largest winter swells in years.

Extreme weather events ravaged the world in 2023, claiming countless lives and breaking temperature records. Scientists reveal the past 12 months as the hottest in 125,000 years. Storms, floods, and wildfires wreaked havoc from the US to Australia, with unprecedented heatwaves scorching Europe. The devastating toll includes Cyclone Freddy's deadly dance, Mediterranean Storm Daniel's catastrophic flooding, and record-breaking heatwaves in the Amazon. The year ended with floods in Tanzania, supercell thunderstorms in the UK, and Spain experiencing historic December heat. Climate change's impact intensifies, emphasizing the urgent need for global action.            

Climate scientists express cautious optimism as 2023 is considered a pivotal year for climate action. Experts believe that global carbon emissions from energy use may have peaked, marking a crucial milestone in the fight against climate change. The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts a decline in fossil fuel consumption, citing a plateau in power sector emissions and a rise in renewable energy sources. While some remain skeptical, pointing to conflicting projections from major oil producers, there is a growing consensus that 2023 could be the beginning of the end for the fossil fuel era.