In a tragic start to 2024, Japan is reeling from the aftermath of a powerful 7.5 magnitude earthquake that struck Ishikawa prefecture on New Year’s Day. The quake triggered tsunami waves exceeding a meter in height, causing extensive damage, toppling houses, igniting fires, and destroying critical infrastructure.
The Noto Peninsula, in particular, faced severe devastation with buildings consumed by fire, houses flattened, fishing boats sunk or washed ashore, and highways ravaged by landslides. The death toll stands at 48, but authorities anticipate it may rise as rescue operations intensify.
Residents, shaken by the violent quake, are left to grapple with the destruction. Akiko, standing outside her parents’ tilting home in Wajima, expressed disbelief, saying, “I’m amazed the house is this broken, and everyone in my family managed to come out of it unscathed.”
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida declared, “Very extensive damage has been confirmed, including numerous casualties, building collapses, and fires.” The urgency to locate and rescue victims remains a top priority as authorities race against time.
Aerial footage revealed the horrifying scale of a fire that swept through Wajima’s old market area, exacerbating rescue efforts. The seven-storey commercial building collapse added to the challenges faced by emergency responders.
Almost 33,000 households are without power, with freezing temperatures compounding the challenges. Many cities are also grappling with a lack of running water, amplifying the hardships faced by survivors.
The US Geological Survey reported a magnitude of 7.5, while Japan’s meteorological agency measured it at 7.6. Over 150 aftershocks continued to rock the region, hindering recovery efforts.
Although tsunami warnings have been lifted, images on social media depict the terrifying moments when waves hit Wajima and surrounding areas. Houses collapsed, roads cracked, and landslides struck, further complicating rescue operations.
Firefighters in Wajima are working tirelessly to find survivors, navigating through collapsed structures with electric saws. Reports indicate that the fire engulfed up to 200 structures, with evacuations carried out in darkness.
Bullet trains were suspended, leaving approximately 1,400 people stranded. Emperor Naruhito’s New Year’s Day greeting event in Tokyo was canceled, as the earthquake shook apartments nearly 300 kilometers away.
The Noto Peninsula has experienced a rising number of earthquakes since 2018, as highlighted in a government report last year. With over 62,000 people ordered to evacuate and widespread damage, Japan faces a challenging recovery ahead.
Japan, familiar with seismic activity, is haunted by the memory of the 2011 undersea quake that triggered a devastating tsunami and nuclear disaster. While no abnormalities are reported at nuclear plants following this recent quake, the nation remains on high alert amid ongoing rescue efforts.
