Japan Races Against the Clock to Save Survivors of New Year's Day Earthquake.
On Tuesday, Japan faced challenges in gauging the complete impact of an earthquake hitting its western coast. The quake claimed the lives of at least eight individuals, causing destruction to buildings and roads while leaving large sections of homes without power in the freezing cold.
On Tuesday, Japan faced challenges in figuring out the complete impact of a powerful earthquake that hit its west coast. The quake, with an initial magnitude of 7.6, occurred on Monday afternoon, resulting in the tragic loss of at least eight lives. It caused significant damage to buildings and roads, leaving many homes without power in freezing temperatures.
The earthquake prompted residents in coastal areas to urgently move to higher ground as tsunami waves, reaching about 1 meter (3.3 feet), struck Japan's western seaboard.
Thousands of army personnel, firefighters, and police officers from all over the country have been sent to the most severely affected area in the relatively isolated Noto peninsula.
However, rescue operations are facing obstacles due to severely damaged and blocked roads. Additionally, one of the area's airports had to close because of cracks in the runway. Many rail services and flights to the region have also been halted.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, speaking during an emergency disaster meeting on Tuesday, emphasized that the search and rescue efforts for those affected by the earthquake are a race against time. Kishida mentioned the significant challenges in reaching the northern tip of the Noto peninsula due to destroyed roads. Helicopter surveys revealed numerous fires and widespread damage to buildings and infrastructure.
Public broadcaster NHK reported that the town of Wajima, near the epicenter of the earthquake, has seen eight confirmed deaths. In Suzu, close by, some doctors struggled to reach a hospital relying on a backup generator for power.
The national police agency has confirmed six deaths, and the fire and disaster management agency stated that 19 people are in a state of cardiac arrest.
Since the initial quake on Monday, more than 90 aftershocks have been detected by the Japan Meteorological Agency. There is a warning that additional strong shocks could occur in the coming days.
In Toyama city, approximately 100 km (60 miles) away from the most affected area, convenience stores experienced empty shelves as the disaster disrupted the delivery of goods throughout the region.
President Joe Biden expressed readiness to offer any necessary assistance to Japan following the earthquake. He emphasized the strong bond of friendship between the United States and Japan, extending thoughts to the Japanese people during this challenging time.
The Japanese government took swift action, instructing over 97,000 individuals to evacuate their homes on Monday night, relocating them to sports halls and school gymnasiums commonly used as emergency evacuation centers. While many were able to return home on Tuesday as tsunami warnings were lifted, approximately 33,000 households in Ishikawa prefecture still lacked power according to Hokuriku Electric Power's website. Additionally, most areas in the northern Noto peninsula reported a lack of water supply, as per NHK.
In response to the disaster, the Imperial Household Agency announced the cancellation of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako's scheduled New Year appearance on Tuesday.
The earthquake coincides with a delicate period for Japan's nuclear industry, which has faced opposition since the 2011 earthquake and tsunami that resulted in nuclear meltdowns in Fukushima. The aftermath of that disaster left entire towns devastated, contributing to heightened sensitivity and concerns surrounding nuclear facilities.
The Nuclear Regulation Authority assured that no abnormalities were detected at nuclear plants along the Sea of Japan, including the five active reactors at Kansai Electric Power’s Ohi and Takahama plants in Fukui Prefecture.
Hokuriku Electric's Shika plant, situated closest to the earthquake's epicenter, had already shut down its two reactors for routine inspections before the quake. Fortunately, it reported no impact from the seismic activity, according to the regulatory agency.
Chip materials manufacturer Kokusai Electric stated that it is conducting further investigations after discovering some damage at its factory in Toyama. The factory had planned to resume operations on Thursday.
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