Japan Assessing Damage from Devastating Earthquake
Struggle to Assess Damage
Japan grapples with the aftermath of a powerful earthquake that struck its west coast, causing widespread destruction and claiming at least a dozen lives. The quake, with a preliminary magnitude of 7.6, resulted in buildings and major roads being wrecked and left swathes of homes without power in freezing temperatures.
Rescue Challenges
The earthquake prompted residents in coastal areas to flee to higher ground as tsunami waves about 1 metre (3.3 ft) hit Japan’s western seaboard. However, rescue efforts have been hampered by badly damaged and blocked roads, with one of the area’s airports forced to close due to runway cracks. Many rail services, ferries, and flights into the area have also been suspended.
Search and Rescue Efforts
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida emphasized that the search and rescue of those affected by the quake is a race against time. Kishida noted the immense difficulty in reaching the northern tip of the Noto peninsula due to wrecked roads, with helicopter surveys revealing widespread damage to buildings and infrastructure.
Impact on Residents
Local media reported over a dozen confirmed deaths, mainly in the hard-hit town of Wajima near the quake’s epicenter, where a massive blaze broke out. The Japan Meteorological Agency has cautioned that more strong shocks could hit in the coming days, leaving residents in a state of distress.
Human Resilience
Nobuko Sugimori, a 74-year-old resident, expressed her shock at the unprecedented quake’s intensity. Residents recounted their harrowing experiences, with widespread damage witnessed across various areas. President Joe Biden extended solidarity to Japan, offering assistance in the face of the calamity.
Evacuation and Power Outages
The Japanese government ordered over 97,000 people to evacuate their homes, with many households left without power in Ishikawa prefecture. Although authorities lifted tsunami warnings, around 33,000 households remained without power, and most areas in the northern Noto peninsula also have no water supply, as reported by NHK.
Impact on Nuclear Plants
The quake came at a sensitive time for Japan’s nuclear industry, with no irregularities found at nuclear plants along the Sea of Japan, according to the Nuclear Regulation Authority. The agency reported that Hokuriku Electric’s Shika plant, the closest to the epicenter, had already halted its two reactors before the quake for regular inspections and saw no impact from the quake.
Chip materials maker Kokusai Electric said it is investigating further after finding some damage at its factory in Toyama ahead of the planned resumption of operations on Thursday.
