On January 1, 2024, Japan experienced a devastating earthquake, leaving a tragic mark on the New Year. The earthquake, which struck the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture at 16:10 JST (07:10 UTC), had a magnitude of 7.6, as recorded by the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), or 7.5, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). It was the most severe earthquake to hit Japan since the 2015 Ogasawara earthquake and the deadliest since the 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes.
The quake resulted from shallow reverse faulting along a northeast-trending plane between the Okhotsk and Amurian Plates, with significant aftershocks following, including a 6.2 magnitude aftershock. The earthquake rupture extended approximately 200 km from southeast of the Noto Peninsula to Sado Island along a southeast-dipping fault, causing substantial displacement.
Widespread Damage and Tsunami
The quake’s impact was catastrophic. Large parts of Japan’s western coast were under a tsunami warning, and over 1.2 meters high tsunami waves were observed. In Suzu, close to the quake’s epicenter, homes were washed off their foundations, and about 90% of the town’s buildings were damaged or destroyed. Notably, the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan reported significant land displacement, with Wajima experiencing up to 1.3 meters westward movement due to crustal deformation.
Human Toll and Rescue Efforts
The human cost of the disaster is heartbreaking. At least 57 people lost their lives, all in Ishikawa Prefecture, with the highest fatalities in Wajima and Suzu. Rescue operations faced challenges, including freezing temperatures and widespread damage, making it difficult to reach isolated areas and trapped individuals. In Wajima, at least 50 houses collapsed, and a fire consumed around 200 buildings.
Regional Impact and Preparedness
Despite Japan’s robust infrastructure and warning systems, the scale of this earthquake and tsunami overwhelmed even their well-prepared measures. Many areas, including traditional fishing villages, were eerily silent in the aftermath, and the sense of shock was palpable even in a country accustomed to seismic activity.
Personal Accounts
The earthquake struck during New Year’s Day celebrations, adding to the shock and disruption. Residents like Fujiko Ueno and Shoichi Kobayashi recounted the sudden and violent nature of the quake, with furniture flying across rooms and an inability to even stand straight during the aftershocks.
Broader Impact and Response
The disaster affected multiple prefectures, with injuries and damage extending beyond Ishikawa. For example, Toyama Prefecture reported injuries and significant building damage. The government deployed emergency rescue teams, and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida emphasized the commitment to saving lives and rescuing victims.
Conclusion
This earthquake is a stark reminder of nature’s unpredictable power and the importance of preparedness and resilience in the face of such disasters. It underscores the human aspect of natural calamities, with personal stories of survival and loss painting a vivid picture of the event’s impact. Japan’s experience, while tragic, also serves as a lesson in emergency response and the need for constant vigilance in seismically active regions.
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