On Tuesday, in Japan Earthquake found it difficult to fully evaluate the damage caused by an earthquake that struck its west coast, killing at least eight people, destroying roads and buildings, and cutting off power to large areas of homes in bitterly cold weather.
The seismic event occurred on Monday afternoon, registering an initial magnitude of 7.6. Subsequently, waves reaching approximately one meter (around 3.3 feet) struck the western shores of Japan following the Japan Earthquake, compelling residents in certain coastal regions to urgently seek refuge at elevated locations.
Thousands of national firefighters, police officers, and members of the armed forces have been sent to the most severely affected area on the relatively isolated Noto peninsula.
However, severely damaged and blocked roads have made rescue efforts more difficult, and runway cracks have forced one of the area’s airports to close.
There have also been a lot of cancelled flights and rail services in the area.
“The endeavour to locate and rescue the Japan earthquake victims is a race against time,” Prime Minister Fumio Kishida declared on Tuesday at a disaster emergency meeting.
As per Kishida’s assessment, aerial surveys unveiled a multitude of fires and significant structural damage to both buildings and vital infrastructure. Moreover, he highlighted the formidable challenge faced by rescuers in reaching the northern extremity of the Noto peninsula due to the severe road damage encountered in the aftermath of the disaster.
Eight deaths have been reported in the hard-hit town of Wajima, close to the epicentre of the earthquake, according to public broadcaster NHK. Meanwhile, some doctors in nearby Suzu were unable to get to a hospital that was dependent on a backup generator for power.
The fire and disaster management agency reported that 19 people were experiencing cardiac arrest, while the national police reported that six people had been officially declared dead. The Japan Meteorological Agency reports that since the earthquake struck on Monday, more than 90 tremors have been recorded. More powerful shocks could occur in the next few days, the agency has warned.
Convenience store shelves in Toyama City, about 100 kilometres (60 miles) from the worst-hit area, had some empty items on them because the disaster had interfered with the transportation of supplies throughout the area.
Following the earthquake, President Joe Biden said in a statement that the US was prepared to assist Japan as needed.
“Our people are united by a strong friendship between the United States and Japan, who are close allies. We are praying for the people of Japan during this trying time “said he.
On Monday night, the Japanese government issued an order for over 97,000 people to leave their homes. They were then directed to sports halls and school gymnasiums, which are frequently utilised as emergency shelters.
With the lifting of the tsunami warning on Tuesday, many people went back to their homes.
However, according to Hokuriku Electric Power’s website, about 33,000 households in Ishikawa prefecture were still without electricity early on Tuesday morning. According to NHK, the majority of the northern Noto peninsula is likewise without access to water.
Following the catastrophe, the Imperial Household Agency announced on Tuesday that it would postpone Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako’s scheduled New Year’s appearance.
