- Wednesday, October 16, 2024
WAJIMA, Japan - In a devastating series of powerful earthquakes, western Japan has been hit hard, resulting in at least 30 deaths and causing extensive damage to buildings, vehicles, and boats. The aftershocks continue to rattle Ishikawa prefecture and its surrounding areas even a day after the initial magnitude 7.6 temblor struck on Monday afternoon.
Officials have issued warnings for residents in certain areas to stay away from their homes due to the increased risk of further strong quakes. The death toll in Ishikawa has risen to 30, with seven individuals critically injured. The extent of damage to homes is as yet unknown due to its magnitude.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has emphasized the urgency of rescuing those trapped in their homes, making it the top priority. Even as he spoke, a quake with a preliminary magnitude of 5.6 shook the area. Japan's military has already dispatched 1,000 soldiers to assist with the rescue efforts, highlighting the large-scale destruction that has occurred. Investigations are still ongoing to determine the full extent of the damage to homes.
Despite the chaos, firefighters managed to bring a fire under control in Wajima city, where embers and smoke had turned the sky a fiery red. Thankfully, nuclear regulators have confirmed that several nuclear plants in the region are operating normally and have not suffered any damage. This is an immense relief, especially considering the catastrophic consequences of the 2011 quake and tsunami which led to a nuclear disaster.
News footage captured the devastating aftermath of the earthquakes, with rows of collapsed houses and flattened wooden structures. Overturned cars littered the landscape, while half-sunken ships bobbed in bays where tsunami waves had crashed ashore, leaving behind a muddy coastline.
Tsunami Warning Issued and Lifted in Japan
Major Tsunami Warning and Advisories
On Monday, the Japan Meteorological Agency issued a major tsunami warning for Ishikawa and lower-level tsunami warnings or advisories for the rest of the western coast of Japan's main island of Honshu, as well as for the northern island of Hokkaido.
Downgrade and Lifted Warnings
Fortunately, the warning was downgraded several hours later, and all tsunami warnings were lifted as of early Tuesday. However, waves measuring more than one meter (3 feet) still hit some places.
Potential for More Quakes
Despite the downgrade, the agency warned that more major quakes could hit the area over the next few days, emphasizing the need for continued caution.
Evacuations and Disruptions
People who were evacuated from their houses sought refuge in auditoriums, schools, and community centers. Transportation was seriously impacted as bullet trains in the region were halted, although service was being restored in some areas. Sections of highways had to be closed due to damage, water pipes burst, and cellphone service was disrupted in certain areas.
Concerns about Rain
Weather forecasters predicted rain, which heightened concerns about already crumbling buildings and infrastructure in the affected region. Efforts to assess and address structural safety became even more crucial.
Cultural Sites and Heritage
It's important to note that the region includes tourist spots famous for lacquerware and other traditional crafts, along with designated cultural heritage sites. Preserving these invaluable treasures is of utmost importance even in the face of natural disasters.
International Support
U.S. President Joe Biden conveyed his administration's readiness to provide any necessary assistance for the Japanese people in a statement, demonstrating solidarity during this challenging time.
Earthquake-Prone Japan
Japan is no stranger to earthquakes due to its location along the "Ring of Fire," an arc of volcanoes and fault lines in the Pacific Basin. The frequency of aftershocks, about a hundred in the last day alone, serves as a reminder of the persistent seismic activity in the region.
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