Tokyo, In a tragic turn of events on New Year’s Day, Japan was struck by a powerful earthquake, claiming the lives of at least 30 people. The quake, with a preliminary magnitude of 7.6, rocked the nation on Monday afternoon, triggering tsunami waves along the west coast. Buildings crumbled, roads were destroyed, and tens of thousands of homes were left without power.
Rescue operations are underway, but efforts are hampered by severely damaged and blocked roads, making it challenging to reach isolated areas. The worst-hit region is the Noto peninsula in Ishikawa prefecture, where thousands of army personnel, firefighters, and police officers have been deployed.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida declared the rescue mission a “battle against time,” expressing the difficulty in reaching the northern tip of the Noto peninsula due to wrecked roads. Helicopter surveys revealed fires and extensive damage to buildings and infrastructure.
The earthquake has led to the suspension of rail services, ferries, and flights, causing transportation chaos. Noto airport is closed due to damage, leaving 500 people stranded in its parking lot.
Authorities have confirmed 30 deaths, with half occurring in the hard-hit Wajima city near the quake’s epicenter. Firefighters are battling blazes in several cities, and more people are feared trapped in collapsed buildings.
The Japan Meteorological Agency warned of more strong shocks in the coming days, with over 140 tremors detected since the initial quake. Evacuation orders affected around 100,000 people initially, and though many have returned home, power outages persist, affecting around 33,000 households.
As rescue efforts intensify, international leaders, including President Joe Biden, have offered condolences and assistance. The earthquake poses challenges for Japan’s nuclear industry, with concerns about the impact on nuclear plants and heightened sensitivity following the Fukushima disaster in 2011.
The nation mourns the loss of lives, and rescue teams continue their arduous task amid the aftermath of this devastating earthquake.
