Staff Reports
In Nanao, Japan, a powerful earthquake hit the west coast, causing devastation and claiming the lives of at least a dozen people. The earthquake, with a preliminary magnitude of 7.6, struck on Monday afternoon, sparking fear of tsunami waves along the western seaboard. The residents in coastal areas had to evacuate to higher ground as 1-meter high tsunami waves reached Japan’s western coast.
The extent of the damage is still being assessed, and the Japanese government is struggling to provide relief and support to the affected areas, particularly the Noto peninsula in Ishikawa prefecture. Thousands of army personnel, firefighters, and police officers have been deployed to the most severely impacted areas, but their efforts have been hampered by damaged and blocked roads, as well as the closure of one of the region’s airports due to runway cracks.
At least a 48 dead in Japan after 7.6 earthquake strikes — buildings wrecked, power out in freezing temperatures https://t.co/hedZaRIcwv via @nypost
— Paulie (@psforsure) January 2, 2024
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida expressed the urgency of the search and rescue efforts, describing it as a race against time. The northern tip of the Noto peninsula has been particularly challenging to reach due to the extensive damage to the infrastructure and buildings. The area has also been plagued by numerous fires, further complicating the rescue operations.
Local media has reported more than a dozen confirmed deaths, with the town of Wajima near the quake’s epicenter experiencing significant destruction and a massive blaze. The aftermath of the earthquake has left the region in a state of emergency, with over 140 aftershocks detected, and the Japan Meteorological Agency warning of potential additional strong shocks.
The earthquake has left residents traumatized, with many describing it as an unprecedented and terrifying experience. Despite the damage to their homes and properties, residents are grateful to have escaped uninjured. However, the road to recovery in the affected areas will undoubtedly be long and arduous.
President Joe Biden has expressed the United States’ willingness to offer assistance to Japan in the aftermath of the earthquake, highlighting the strong bond of friendship between the two countries. The Japanese government has ordered tens of thousands of people to evacuate their homes, and while many have been able to return, the region continues to grapple with power outages and water supply issues.
Amidst the devastation, concerns have also been raised about the potential impact on Japan’s nuclear industry. The earthquake has prompted scrutiny of the country’s nuclear plants, particularly in the wake of the 2011 Fukushima disaster. The Nuclear Regulation Authority has reassured the public that no irregularities were found at the nuclear plants along the Sea of Japan, easing fears of a nuclear emergency.
