According to what was revealed in a press conference, an earthquake originating in the Noto region of Ishikawa Prefecture occurred, but no abnormalities have been confirmed at Hokuriku Electric Power’s Shika nuclear power plant. As a result of checks by the Nuclear Regulation Authority, even though the Shika nuclear power plant in Shika Town, Ishikawa Prefecture, the epicenter of the earthquake, is stopped, no abnormalities were found in the facilities despite a maximum seismic intensity of 5 being observed.

Furthermore, despite a maximum seismic intensity of 7 being observed as a result of the earthquake, no abnormalities were found at Units 1 and 2 of Hokuriku Electric Power’s Shika nuclear power plant, which are also stopped. Following an inspection after the earthquake, the Nuclear Regulation Authority announced at 4:45 p.m. on the first day that no abnormalities were confirmed.

In addition, the Nuclear Regulation Authority announced that no abnormalities have been observed not only at the Shika nuclear power plant in Ishikawa Prefecture but also at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant in Niigata Prefecture due to the same earthquake.

Lessons from the Fukushima nuclear accident have led to measures being taken to secure power supply vehicles in advance and prepare for emergencies in the event of this earthquake. At the Fukushima nuclear power plant, underground electrical equipment was flooded due to a tsunami, resulting in the loss of cooling power, making such measures important.

Regardless, as the situation can change from moment to moment, continued maintenance of nuclear power plant safety management and transparency of information remains essential.