New Delhi: Japan grappled with the aftermath of a devastating earthquake that struck its west coast on Monday, leaving at least a dozen people dead, buildings and roads destroyed, and homes without power in freezing temperatures.
The quake, with a preliminary magnitude of 7.6, hit in the middle of Monday afternoon, causing residents in coastal areas to seek higher ground as 1-meter tsunami waves hit the western seaboard.
HIGHLIGHTS
- The Noto peninsula in Ishikawa prefecture bore the brunt of the disaster, prompting the deployment of thousands of army personnel, firefighters, and police officers from across the country. However, rescue efforts faced challenges due to badly damaged and blocked roads, and an airport in the area had to close due to runway cracks. Rail services, ferries, and flights to the region were also suspended.
- Prime Minister Fumio Kishida emphasized the urgency of the search and rescue operations, acknowledging the difficulty in reaching the northern tip of the Noto peninsula due to extensive road damage.
- Helicopter surveys revealed widespread fires and damage to buildings and infrastructure.
- Reports indicated over a dozen confirmed deaths, with the town of Wajima near the epicentre experiencing a massive blaze. The national police agency confirmed six deaths, while the fire and disaster management agency reported 19 people in a state of cardiac arrest.
- The Japan Meteorological Agency detected more than 140 tremors since the initial quake, warning of possible strong aftershocks in the coming days. Residents, like 74-year-old Nobuko Sugimori, expressed the unprecedented nature of the quake, recounting the challenge of even preventing household items from toppling over.
- Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden extended support to Japan, stating the United States was prepared to provide any necessary assistance.
- The Japanese government ordered over 97,000 people to evacuate their homes, utilizing sports halls and school gymnasiums as emergency shelters.
- Although many returned home as tsunami warnings were lifted, around 33,000 households in Ishikawa prefecture remained without power on Tuesday morning, and water supply was disrupted in most areas of the northern Noto peninsula.
- The Imperial Household Agency canceled Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako’s scheduled New Year appearance, and Prime Minister Kishida postponed his New Year visit to Ise Shrine in light of the disaster.
- The resilience and recovery of affected communities in the face of this tragic event stand as a testament to the strength and solidarity of the Japanese people during challenging times.