Japan removes tsunami alerts but cautions about extensive earthquake damage.
On New Year’s Day, a devastating earthquake struck the central coast of Japan, resulting in a reported death toll of at least 30 people. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida expressed concern over the widespread damage, emphasizing the likelihood of increasing casualties.
The earthquake, measuring magnitude 7.6, occurred on Monday afternoon near the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa prefecture. This event prompted Japan’s first significant tsunami warning since the tragic March 2011 earthquake and tsunami, which led to approximately 18,500 people being declared dead or missing in the northeast region.
On Tuesday, Kishida reported extensive damage from the earthquake, stating that buildings had collapsed and fires were triggered. The number of casualties is significant, and there is a pressing need to rescue victims urgently. Damaged roads are hindering rescue efforts, making it challenging to assess the full extent of the aftermath. Authorities have cautioned residents in certain areas to avoid returning home due to the risk of additional strong earthquakes.
Although the initial tsunami warning was downgraded and lifted on Tuesday morning, aftershocks continue to impact Ishikawa prefecture. According to local sources, the disaster has resulted in more than 20 deaths, with 15 reported in the severely affected town of Wajima. Collapsed buildings in Wajima have left 14 people trapped. In Suzu, doctors face challenges reaching a hospital relying on a backup generator for power.
The Japanese disaster management agency noted receiving unverified information about 19 fatalities on Tuesday, though official updates on the death toll have been scarce. The Japan Meteorological Office reported a total of 155 earthquakes striking the country since the initial tremor on Monday.
Wajima experienced a tsunami with a minimum height of 1.2 meters (4 feet), and reports from aerial news coverage revealed significant destruction, including a major fire and the collapse of a seven-storey building at the port.
A line of houses was consumed by flames as residents were evacuated in the darkness, some wrapped in blankets and others cradling infants.
Nobuko Sugimori, a 74-year-old resident of Nanao city in Ishikawa, expressed her astonishment at the unprecedented earthquake. “I attempted to secure the TV set to prevent it from falling, but I couldn’t even steady myself as I swayed violently from side to side,” Sugimori recounted to Reuters. Her home bore the scars of the quake, with a significant crack running down its front wall and furniture strewn about.
Meanwhile, across the street, 73-year-old Fujiko Ueno reflected on her good fortune.
She mentioned that around 20 individuals were present in her home for a New Year celebration when the earthquake occurred, fortunately, with no injuries.
In the aftermath, she stood amidst debris and mud on the cracked road, describing how everything unfolded unexpectedly.
Approximately 100,000 people in nine prefectures were evacuated, seeking refuge in sports halls and school gymnasiums commonly designated as emergency evacuation centers in Japan.
As of early Tuesday morning, almost 33,000 households in Ishikawa prefecture were still without power, and NHK reported that many areas in the northern Noto Peninsula lacked water supply.
Due to the disaster, the Imperial Household Agency called off the anticipated New Year’s appearance of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, originally scheduled for Tuesday.
Japan’s allies have conveyed their apprehension about the disaster and have indicated their readiness to provide help.
In a statement, President Joe Biden of the United States expressed solidarity, saying, “As strong allies, the United States and Japan have a profound friendship that connects our nations. Our hearts go out to the Japanese people in this challenging period.”
French President Emmanuel Macron conveyed “solidarity,” Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni extended condolences and assistance.
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak mentioned that he was closely following the situation, expressing, “My thoughts are with those impacted by the earthquakes in Japan,
