Toyama, Japan – A powerful 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck western Japan on New Year’s Day, causing significant damage and loss of life. At least six people were reported dead and dozens more injured, as rescue operations raced against time to locate and save survivors.
The earthquake, which hit about 26 miles northeast of Anamizu in Ishikawa prefecture, triggered tsunami warnings as far away as eastern Russia. Although these warnings were eventually downgraded and then canceled, the earthquake left a trail of destruction, damaging roads, buildings, and cutting off power to 45,000 homes.
The aftershocks continued to rock the region, with more than 140 recorded since the initial quake. As a precaution, over 97,000 people were evacuated from their homes, while authorities initially feared that tsunami waves could be as high as 10 feet along the Sea of Japan coast.
Japanese Prime Minister, Fumio Kishida, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that the search and rescue efforts were a “battle against time.” He assured the public that emergency personnel were working tirelessly to rescue those trapped in collapsed buildings and assess the extent of the damage.
The earthquake resulted in the confirmed deaths of six individuals in Ishikawa, with over 30 reported injuries in four other prefectures. Local media outlets indicated that the death toll could rise, while the central government confirmed multiple instances of residents trapped alive under collapsed houses in the affected area.
Japan’s Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako postponed their New Year’s celebration, and President Joe Biden expressed solidarity with the Japanese people, offering assistance in the aftermath of the earthquake. The earthquake marked the first time Japan issued a major tsunami warning since 2011, demonstrating the significant impact and severity of the disaster.
The country’s sophisticated tsunami warning system continues to play a crucial role in mitigating the impact of earthquakes in a region prone to seismic activity. As Japan navigates the aftermath of this devastating earthquake, the focus remains on saving lives and addressing the widespread destruction caused by the natural disaster.