Following a powerful 7.6 magnitude earthquake that struck central Japan near the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa prefecture on New Year’s Day, Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida highlighted the extensive and widespread damage. The earthquake triggered the nation’s first major tsunami warning since the devastating 2011 event, with at least 30 reported deaths and expectations of rising casualties.
The initial tsunami warning was downgraded and subsequently lifted on Tuesday morning. However, the aftermath reveals significant destruction, particularly in areas like Suzu, where Mayor Masuhiro Izumiya indicated potential catastrophic damage to approximately 1,000 houses. Ishikawa prefecture authorities have confirmed 30 fatalities, half of which are in Wajima, a severely impacted city.
The Japan Meteorological Office recorded 155 earthquakes following the initial tremor. In Wajima, a tsunami reaching at least 1.2 meters (4 feet) caused extensive damage, including a major fire and the collapse of a seven-storey building at the port. Nobuko Sugimori, a resident of Nanao city, described the quake’s intensity, while others, like 73-year-old Fujiko Ueno, recounted their fortunate escape during a New Year’s celebration.
Evacuations affected nearly 100,000 individuals across nine prefectures, with many seeking refuge in sports halls and school gymnasiums. As of Tuesday morning, approximately 33,000 households in Ishikawa prefecture remained without electricity, and areas in the northern Noto Peninsula faced water shortages.
The disaster prompted the Imperial Household Agency to cancel Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako’s anticipated New Year’s appearance. International leaders, including US President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, expressed condolences and readiness to assist Japan during this challenging period.
