On January 1st, 2024, a massive quake rocked the Noto region of Ishikawa Prefecture around 4.10 pm., causing everyone who celebrated New Year’s Day to evacuate amid urgent tsunami warning in western Japan.
The seismic intensity level recorded in each area around Ishikawa Prefecture (Japan Meteorological Agency)
The intensity of the quake was estimated at 7.6 on the Japanese intensity scale of 7, with the epicenter at a very shallow depth.
By 5.30 p.m. on January 1st, a tsunami of 120 cm was observed in Wajima, Ishikawa Prefecture, along with an 80 cm tsunami in Toyama, and a 50 cm tsunami in Kanazawa, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.
A fire engulfs a residential area in Wajima, Ishikawa Prefecture
Following the magnitude-7.6 earthquake on January 1st, a huge blaze of fire broke out in Wajima, Ishikawa Prefecture.
The prefectural government said on January 2nd, that at least 48 people were killed in Ishikawa Prefecture, following the powerful earthquake that rattled the Noto region on New Year’s Day.
As of 3.30 p.m., the prefecture had confirmed the deaths of: 20 people in Suzu; 19 in Wajima; five in Nanao; two in Anamizu; one in Hakui; and one in Shika. Furthermore, 16 people were severely injured and many others have suffered minor injuries. Up to 27,785 residents have sought shelter at evacuation centers.
After the Japan Meteorological Agency lifted all tsunami advisories issued for the Sea of Japan coast at 10 a.m. on January 2nd, the search and rescue operations continued in wide areas.
A temple gate was flattened by the earthquake in Shika, Ishikawa Prefecture.
The central government held an emergency disaster headquarters meeting at the prime minister’s office on January 2nd morning, working to assess the full extent of the damage.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said that he instructed related agencies to do their best on rescue activities, placing the highest priority on ensuring the safety of residents.
Houses collapsed in the earthquake in Shika, Ishikawa Prefecture.
The Anamizu Fire Department in the morning said at least nine houses collapsed in the city, and one man was showing no signs of life when pulled from the rubble.
Water pipes have burst in various locations, cutting off the water supply throughout Hakui city.
About 3,700 people are now sheltered in seventeen evacuation centers that opened on the evening of January 1st.
A huge fire following the quake had burned down more than 200 houses around Asaichi-dori street in Wajima as of 10:40 a.m. Wajima city officials said the fire covered about 4,000 square meters, according to fire emergency medical service headquarters that covers the greater Okunoto area.
Six fire trucks were used to bring the blaze under control. During the battle, fire hydrants were not working due to earthquake damage, and water in the fire prevention tanks ran out. The headquarters said that the firefighters had to use seawater to extinguish the flames.
There were reports that a fire broke out in the town of Noto damaging 20 houses, and blazes were also reported in Kanazawa, Nanao, and Suzu.
Hokuriku Electric Power Co. said about 33,800 households in Ishikawa Prefecture were without power as of 8 a.m. in: Suzu; Wajima; Noto; Anamizu; Shika; Nanao; Nakanoto; Tsubata; Uchinada; and Kanazawa.
Connections are still spotty for cellphones and landlines in the affected areas, according to the communications ministry.
Let’s pray the best for Japan. We have to believe that everything will get better soon.
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