A powerful earthquake struck Japan on New Year’s Day, claiming at least 48 lives and causing widespread devastation. The quake, with a preliminary magnitude of 7.6, triggered tsunami waves along Japan’s western seaboard, leading to numerous challenges for rescue teams and authorities.
The immediate impact of the earthquake was significant, prompting residents in coastal areas to seek higher ground. The ensuing tsunami caused considerable damage, sweeping away cars and houses. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida declared the ongoing rescue efforts a “battle against time,” as a 3,000-strong rescue crew comprising army personnel, firefighters, and police officers worked tirelessly to reach isolated areas.
The northern tip of the Noto peninsula presented a particularly challenging situation for rescuers, where helicopter surveys revealed widespread damage to buildings and infrastructure. The difficult terrain and numerous fires complicated rescue efforts, with approximately 120 people awaiting assistance. The affected areas faced disruptions in transportation, with rail services and flights suspended, leaving more than 500 people stranded at Noto’s airport.
In Suzu, a coastal town near the quake’s epicenter, Mayor Masuhiro Izumiya described the situation as catastrophic, noting that up to 1,000 houses may have been destroyed. The confirmed 48 fatalities, all in Ishikawa prefecture, make this earthquake Japan’s deadliest since at least 2016.
The quake left a trail of destruction, with reports of collapsed houses, damaged runways at Noto’s airport, and disrupted water and power supplies. Several cities battled blazes, and around 200 aftershocks were detected, signaling the ongoing seismic activity in the region.
World leaders, including President Joe Biden, expressed condolences and offered assistance to Japan. The Japanese government ordered around 100,000 people to evacuate their homes, using sports halls and school gymnasiums as emergency shelters.
The earthquake occurred at a sensitive time for Japan’s nuclear industry, which faced opposition since the 2011 Fukushima disaster. While the quake caused power outages and oil leaks at Hokuriku Electric’s Shika plant, no radiation leakage was reported from nuclear plants along the Sea of Japan.
The earthquake also impacted local industries, with Toshiba and Kokusai Electric reporting disruptions in semiconductor production and factory operations.
As Japan grapples with the aftermath of this devastating earthquake, the focus remains on rescue and recovery efforts, addressing infrastructure damage, and ensuring the safety and well-being of affected communities. The international community stands ready to support Japan during these challenging times.
