The recent series of powerful earthquakes, with the strongest measuring 7.6 on the Richter scale, have caused substantial damage in central Japan and the surrounding areas. Ishikawa prefecture, the epicenter of the 7.6-magnitude quake, suffered the worst impact, with at least 30 reported deaths due to building collapses and fires.
Suzu and Nanao were among the hardest-hit areas, with six and five casualties respectively. Reports of injuries and trapped individuals are emerging from various municipalities in Niigata, Toyama, Fukui, and Gifu prefectures due to collapsed or damaged structures.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida emphasized the urgency of rescue operations, directing the deployment of around 1,000 Self-Defense Force troops to conduct search and rescue efforts in affected regions. While the tsunami warning has been lifted, efforts are underway to establish sea routes to access isolated parts of the Noto Peninsula.
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued tsunami warnings for several prefectures, including Niigata, Toyama, and Ishikawa, although as of early Tuesday, these warnings have been lifted. However, the aftermath has left around 45,700 households without power in Ishikawa prefecture.
The seismic activity also disrupted high-speed train services, leaving nearly 1,400 passengers stranded for over 11 hours. Four bullet trains have since resumed service, finally reaching their respective destinations in Toyama and Kanazawa.
This devastating seismic event serves as a stark reminder of Japan's susceptibility to earthquakes due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire. The 2011 earthquake, a 9.0 magnitude disaster, caused immense destruction, triggering a tsunami that claimed thousands of lives and resulted in a major nuclear accident at the Fukushima power plant.
(With Agency Inputs)
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