A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.5 struck Japan’s Ishikawa Prefecture on New Year’s Day, claiming at least 15 lives, as reported by NHK World. The quake, centered on the Noto Peninsula with a depth of 10 kilometers, caught residents off guard, and officials warn of potential strong aftershocks over the next week. A major tsunami warning was issued initially, prompting evacuations in several cities along the Sea of Japan.
Japan’s Meteorological Agency has since lifted all tsunami advisories, but reports indicate tsunamis were observed in Ishikawa, with waves exceeding 120 centimeters in Wajima and 90 centimeters in Kanazawa. The aftermath of the quake saw a fire erupt in Wajima City, destroying over 100 stores and houses, including a seven-story building.
Eight confirmed deaths have been reported in Wajima, including a person crushed under a collapsed building. Emergency services are responding to over 50 reports of collapsed houses and trapped individuals. Dozens of injuries have been recorded in multiple prefectures, including Niigata and Toyoma.
The earthquake has led to power outages, affecting over 44,000 households in Ishikawa Prefecture. The Hokuriku Electric Power Company shut down generators at the Nanao Ota thermal power plant. Shinkansen bullet train services have also been disrupted due to the quake. The Meteorological Agency reported over 100 aftershocks in the region.
The widespread impact of the earthquake underscores the urgent need for response efforts, with emergency services engaged in rescue and relief operations. Authorities are assessing the extent of the damage, and the situation continues to evolve as aftershocks persist.