A catastrophic earthquake struck Japan on New Year’s Day, claiming the lives of at least 48 people, causing widespread destruction, and triggering tsunamis that swept away buildings and vehicles. Rescue teams are battling against challenging conditions to reach affected areas, where numerous buildings have collapsed, roads are impassable, and tens of thousands of homes remain without power.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida emphasised the urgency of rescue efforts, stating, “The search and rescue of those impacted by the quake is a battle against time.” He highlighted the difficulties faced by rescue teams in accessing the northern part of the Noto peninsula, where fires and extensive damage to infrastructure have been reported, with approximately 120 individuals awaiting rescue.
The earthquake, with a preliminary magnitude of 7.6, caused significant disruptions, suspending rail services, grounding flights, and damaging Noto’s airport, leaving 500 people stranded in its parking lot. The coastal town of Suzu suffered extensive damage, with the mayor, Masuhiro Izumiya, suggesting that up to 1,000 houses may have been destroyed, describing the situation as “catastrophic.”
Residents recounted the terrifying experience, with one survivor, Shoichi Kobayashi from Wajima, expressing, “I’ve never experienced a quake that powerful… Even the aftershocks made it difficult to stand up straight.” Many were forced to sleep in their cars due to the fear of returning to unstable homes.
The earthquake, followed by over 140 tremors, according to Japan’s Meteorological Agency, left structures cracked and buildings collapsed. Fujiko Ueno, a resident, recalled a close call, mentioning that nearly 20 people were inside her house during the quake but miraculously emerged unharmed.
Global leaders, including President Joe Biden, extended condolences, offering assistance to Japan in this time of crisis. The Japanese government ordered evacuations for around 100,000 people, with many seeking refuge in emergency shelters. However, thousands of households remain without power and water supply, posing additional challenges amidst freezing temperatures.
The earthquake also raised concerns for Japan’s nuclear industry, as it occurred near nuclear plants. Although no irregularities were reported at nuclear plants along the Sea of Japan, including the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant, damaged infrastructure and power outages were observed.
Companies in the region, including Sharp, Komatsu, and Toshiba, are assessing potential damages to their facilities. The earthquake’s impact on nuclear plants and industries adds another layer of concern to the ongoing rescue operations and recovery efforts.
