A powerful 7.5-magnitude earthquake hit central Japan, specifically in Ishikawa prefecture, causing widespread destruction and increasing the death toll to 30, with 14 others seriously injured.
The city of Wajima suffered greatly, with half of the fatalities occurring there due to a massive blaze. The quake on the Noto Peninsula led to significant damages, including tsunamis, building collapses, and a major fire.
The quake’s impact was immediately evident, with daylight revealing smouldering buildings, flattened homes, and disrupted transportation networks. Tsugumasa Mihara, a 73-year-old resident of Shika, expressed his shock at the quake’s intensity.
In response to the crisis, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida emphasized the urgency of search and rescue operations. Power outages affected nearly 45,000 households, and many cities faced water supply disruptions. The US Geological Survey and Japan’s meteorological agency confirmed the quake’s magnitude, noting it as one of the strongest in a series of tremors.
National and International Reactions and Precautions
President Yoon Suk Yeol condemned the attack, underlining the importance of non-tolerance towards such violence. As Lee Jae-myung faces a trial for alleged bribery, this incident has raised concerns about the security of political figures in South Korea, given its history of political violence. The attack on Lee’s predecessor and former President Park Geun-hye in previous years further underscores these concerns.
As the region grapples with the quake’s aftermath, Japan’s Defense Minister Minoru Kihara announced the mobilization of military personnel for rescue and recovery efforts. Despite the cancellation of public events in Tokyo and the suspension of bullet train services, Japan’s nuclear authority reported no abnormalities at local atomic power plants. International leaders, including US President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron, have extended their support and assistance to Japan during this crisis.
