Japan faces a race against time as rescuers work to find survivors following a 7.5 magnitude earthquake that struck Ishikawa prefecture on New Year’s Day, claiming the lives of at least 50 people.
The quake triggered tsunami waves, fires, and landslides, with the Noto Peninsula experiencing severe damage to buildings, houses, and infrastructure.
The destruction in Wajima and Suzu cities is significant, with reports of collapsed buildings, sunk fishing boats, and highways damaged by landslides. Despite the devastation, many residents miraculously emerged unharmed.
The quake, one of over 210 in the region, prompted a major fire in Wajima, hindering rescue efforts.
Japan’s Prime Minister, Fumio Kishida, acknowledged the extensive damage and casualties, emphasizing the urgency of searching for and rescuing victims.
Aerial footage revealed the scale of the destruction, with fires engulfing commercial buildings and houses collapsing in Suzu.
The situation is compounded by power outages, water shortages, and freezing temperatures affecting 33,000 households in the region.
The earthquake prompted waves over a meter high, hitting Wajima and leading to smaller tsunamis elsewhere.
Although warnings of larger waves were issued and later lifted, the aftermath showcases the impact on infrastructure, including damaged roads, collapsed houses, and landslides.
Rescue efforts are underway, with firefighters searching for survivors amid debris in Wajima.
The quake, felt as far as Tokyo, disrupted public events, including the cancellation of Emperor Naruhito’s New Year’s Day greeting.
Bullet trains were suspended, leaving about 1,400 people stranded, and over 1,000 others were stuck in local express trains for nearly 24 hours.
Stranded passengers praised the kindness of station staff and fellow travelers.
Japan, accustomed to earthquakes, is struggling with the aftermath of this disaster, with roads cut off by landslides, damaged infrastructure, and extensive rescue efforts needed.
The country, haunted by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami disaster, remains resilient in the face of natural challenges.
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