Kanazawa, Japan – A powerful 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck western Japan on New Year’s Day, causing widespread damage and claiming at least six lives. The quake hit the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture, triggering a major tsunami warning and prompting the evacuation of over 97,000 residents from their homes as a precaution. Rescuers are working tirelessly to locate survivors amidst the rubble, as more than 140 aftershocks have been recorded since the initial earthquake.
The earthquake, which also caused power outages to 45,000 homes, resulted in collapsed buildings and roads, posing a significant challenge for emergency personnel. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida emphasized the urgent nature of the search and rescue efforts, calling it a “battle against time.” In response to the disaster, Kishida’s administration established the Prime Minister’s Office of Response and Disaster Counter Measure HQ.
Tsunami warnings issued as far away as eastern Russia were downgraded to advisories and eventually canceled. The central government confirmed six instances of residents trapped under collapsed houses, highlighting the dire need for swift and effective rescue operations. International support and solidarity have poured in, with U.S. President Joe Biden expressing readiness to provide assistance and expressing solidarity with the Japanese people.
The earthquake, with its epicenter in Ishikawa, was the first time Japan issued a major tsunami warning since the devastating 2011 Tohoku earthquake. The event serves as a sobering reminder of Japan’s vulnerability to seismic activity due to its location in the Pacific Ring of Fire, where multiple tectonic plates converge. As the nation grapples with the aftermath of this disaster, the risk of further strong aftershocks remains a cause for concern.
The impact of the earthquake has prompted the cancellation of scheduled events and disrupted transportation services, underscoring the extensive repercussions of the natural disaster. This catastrophic event serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat of earthquakes and the importance of robust disaster response and preparedness measures in Japan.