The New Year’s Day earthquake that struck the Noto peninsula in Japan has left a devastating impact, with at least 82 people killed and many others trapped under collapsed homes. The critical 72-hour window for finding survivors has now closed, decreasing the chances of rescuers finding people alive substantially. Thousands of residents are still without power and water, while landslides and blocked roads have isolated hundreds from help.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has urged rescuers to make every effort to save and rescue as many lives as possible, emphasizing the difficult situation and the need to protect lives. According to AFP news agency, the quake injured at least 330 people and left more than 30,000 in shelters, with some towns lacking basic amenities.
The earthquake has left parts of Wajima resembling a ghost town, as most residents heeded early warnings to evacuate, yet the town has recorded the largest death toll. The mayor of Wajima, Shigeru Sakaguchi, reported that food and aid supplies had reached only a fraction of the evacuees. In neighboring Suzu, Mayor Masuhiro Izumiya stated that almost none of the town’s houses are standing, with 90% completely or almost completely collapsed. A small tsunami struck Suzu one minute after the major quake.
Japan is known for being one of the most seismically active countries in the world, and it has experienced an increased level of earthquake activity around Noto since the end of 2020. The earthquake and subsequent aftershocks have caused extensive destruction, leaving many in the affected areas in need of assistance and resources. Rescue efforts continue, with the hope of finding and saving as many lives as possible in the wake of this tragedy.