After the powerful earthquake measuring 7.6 in magnitude hits Japan on the first day of New year 2024 it claims 30 lives. On Tuesady Authorities in Japan are went to the assess, extensive damage place caused by a powerful earthquake. The earthquake triggered landslides, building collapses, fires and a tsunami warning along the nation’s west coast.
Immediate Aftermath: Aftershocks and Rescue Challenges
Continuing aftershocks, rubble-laden roadways, and damaged infrastructure are posing significant challenges to ongoing rescue operations. As Japan races against time to find survivors, the aftermath paints a grim picture of destruction and chaos.
Indian Actor Jr. NTR was in Japan during Japan Earthquake
Jr. NTR was there in the time of Earth quake in Japan. Jr NTR confirmed he came back from Japan recently and feels surprised that there was an earthquake there at the same time. He shared on X (formerly Twitter) that he spent the whole New Year weekend in Japan before celebrating the New Year. Jr NTR sent prayers for Japan to recover quickly
Central Area Ravaged: Wajima, Ishikawa Prefecture
NHK footage reveals a central area of Wajima, Ishikawa Prefecture, known for its morning market, in disarray. A seven-story building stands toppled, and smoke billows from the aftermath of a large blaze that erupted on Monday. Over 200 structures in the central Wajima area have engulfed in flames, but authorities believe the risk of further spread is minimal.
Japan Earthquake 2024 Details: Magnitude and Impact
The earthquake, measuring 7.6 in magnitude, struck Ishikawa Prefecture’s Noto Peninsula on New Year’s Day, a time when families gather, and many establishments are closed. The quake reached the highest level (7) on Japan’s shindo intensity scale, prompting a rare major tsunami warning. While waves of up to 5 meters forecasted, all warnings and advisories lifted by 10 a.m. on Tuesday. The highest recorded tsunami was over 1.2 meters at Wajima Port in Ishikawa.
Metropolitan Response: Sea Level Changes and Caution
The Meteorological Agency, on Tuesday, reported that while waves are not expected to grow larger, sea level changes are still being observed. Residents in areas previously under tsunami warnings are urged to refrain from marine-based work, emphasizing caution even as immediate threats subside.
Divergence from Past Tsunami Fears: Widespread Damage Unfolds
While the fears of a major tsunami, reminiscent of the devastating 2011 waves, did not materialize, the earthquake itself caused extensive damage. The death toll is expected to rise the rescue efforts progress. Initial reports suggest deaths caused by people trapped or buried in collapsed buildings. Structural collapses are reported in Niigata, Toyama, Fukui, and Gifu prefectures, resulting in numerous injuries.
Confirmed Fatalities and Structural Damage
Ishikawa Prefecture authorities have confirmed deaths in various areas, including 15 in Wajima, six in Suzu, five in Nanao, two in Anamizu, and one each in Hakui and Shika. In Wajima alone, 25 houses have collapsed, with an estimated 14 sites presenting the likelihood of individuals trapped beneath the rubble.
Government Response: Emergency Headquarters and Prime Minister’s Statement
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced the establishment of an emergency disaster local response headquarters in Ishikawa to assess the situation and provide support. As the government mobilizes resources, Kishida emphasized the urgency in saving the lives of disaster victims, acknowledging the evolving impact of the catastrophe.
Japan Earthquake 2024 Military Involvement
The Self-Defense Forces activated a joint task force, reminiscent of the one established after the 2011 Tohoku earthquake. Ten thousand personnel were dispatched for rescue and relief operations. As night fell on Monday, reports showcased a massive blaze in Wajima’s Kawaimachi district, a popular tourist area, further complicating rescue efforts.
Evacuation Efforts: Thousands Displaced, Limited Access to Supplies
Over 46,000 people have evacuated from Ishikawa and Toyama prefectures as of Tuesday morning. Noto island, in the city of Nanao, witnessed over 160 evacuees. But road closures on the connecting bridge hindered supply deliveries to the area.
Aftershocks and Ongoing Alert: A Lingering Threat
Since the initial quake on Monday, over 129 aftershocks of shindo 2 or higher have been recorded. The Meteorological Agency warned of potential quakes up to shindo 7 over the next week, especially in the coming days, underscoring the persistent threat.
Transportation Disruptions: Stranded Passengers and Network Impact
The earthquake disrupted Japan’s transportation network, leaving passengers stranded as some shinkansen lines and flights were canceled. Four trains on the Hokuriku Shinkansen immobilized for 11 hours, impacting 1,400 passengers. As train lines gradually resume operations, the aftermath of the quake continues to affect travel.
Utilities and Infrastructure Challenges: Power and Water Outages
Around 32,900 households in Ishikawa and 330 households in Niigata have lost power. Additionally, areas in Ishikawa, Toyama, Fukui, and Nagano prefectures face water supply disruptions. Medical facilities, essential for disaster response, are grappling with power and water outages in several affected regions.
Telecommunications and Connectivity Issues: Efforts to Restore Services
Phone and internet services are strained in some areas, prompting major telecommunications operators to collaborate. NTT Docomo, KDDI, and SoftBank are working to establish a free Wi-Fi service, “00000JAPAN,” in affected regions. Road closures further impact goods delivery, causing delays in Niigata, Ishikawa, Toyama, and Fukui.
Weather Challenges: Rain Forecast and Landslide Risk
The weather agency forecasts rain on the Noto Peninsula between Tuesday night and Thursday, heightening the risk of landslides. Even a small amount of rain could pose a significant threat, underscoring the challenges in the days to come.
Conclusion: A Nation Grapples with Tragedy
As Japan contends with the aftermath of this powerful earthquake, the nation faces a complex landscape of challenges, from rescue operations and infrastructure restoration to addressing the immediate needs of displaced residents. The evolving situation demands a unified and swift response to alleviate the impact of this disaster on affected communities
