On 01 January, during the afternoon hours (local time), a massive 7.6-magnitude earthquake struck the Noto region in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. The powerful quake not only managed to topple hundreds of buildings (residential and commercial), but also triggered a tsunami warning in the coastal regions. Waves more than 1 metre high hit the coast of Wajima city in Ishikawa. Described as the strongest quake in more than four decades; the calamity destroyed homes, caused massive fires, major power outages, and prompted emergency evacuations. 

Tsunami Warnings & Evacuation Orders

After the quake hit Noto, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued a major tsunami warning. (its first since the devastating March 2011 tsunami that resulted in the death of nearly 20,000 residents of Ishikawa). By the evening hours, the Japanese government issued orders for more than 97,000 people in over nine prefectures along the Honshu island to evacuate immediately. A bright yellow message reading “Tsunami! Evacuate!” flashed across television screens in specific areas along the coast. The warnings were also issued by South Korea, North Korea and Russia. 

According to the Japanese media, quake victims were forced to spend the night in evacuation centers, namely sports halls, school gymnasiums, classrooms, hallways, and stairways. By 02 January, the warning was lifted in Japan and downgraded in the other aforementioned countries to an advisory level. However, the JMA continues to warn that strong aftershocks may occur in the coming weeks. Over 100 jolts in Ishikawa, Niigata, and Toyama have been recorded since 01 January. 

Widespread Damages to Infrastructure 

Reports from Japanese local media revealed that over 30 buildings and structures collapsed in Wajima city and several also caught fire. The tremors were so strong that they even managed to jostle buildings in Tokyo, located approximately 500 km away from Wajima. Similar effect of the jolts was felt in the mountainous areas of Nagano Prefecture. 

By 02 January, various transportation systems in areas along the East Sea were suspended. Operations of the Hokuriku Shinkansen bullet train was temporarily suspended between Nagano and Kanazawa stations. The Joetsu Shinkansen line stopped operating between Echigo-Yizawa and Niigata stations. The East Japan Railway Company announced that they will resume these operations after the safety inspection of the railway facilities is completed. In case of flights, due to cracks opening up in the runway, over nine flights linking Tokyo and Osaka, the prefectures of Ishikawa, Niigata, and Yamagata were cancelled. All four flights either arriving and/or departing from Noto Airport were also called off until the runway was deemed  available for use. Rubble and severed roads isolated many villages. Several expressways remain partially closed in the hardest-hit areas. Power outages were experienced in over 44,000 households of Ishikawa prefecture. 

Adverse Weather Hampering Rescue Work

Rescue work is ongoing in the disaster-hit region however, the damaged roads, collapsed tunnel entrances, and bridges are slowing down and preventing the quick rescue of the victims. Due to such circumstances, the delivery of relief supplies is being delayed. To tackle this problem, the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) are utilizing helicopters to deliver supplies in cut-off areas. Some routes are slowly being restored, emergency repair work has begun on National Route 249. The Japanese government has also increased the deployment of SDF personnel. Meanwhile, the JMA has warned that Noto and its neighboring areas (namely Hokuriku region and Niigata prefecture) should be on alert for landslides. The warnings were issued in light of a heavy rainfall forecast in the region, which could trigger additional disasters in the hard-hit areas as the ground has been loosened. The Ishikawa prefecture is also experiencing a severe cold front. Most of the areas remain blanketed in snow. Heavy snowfall is forecast over the mountainous areas of the quake-hit region in the coming days as well. This could further make the search and rescue missions more complicated and difficult. 

Impact on Nuclear Plants

There is no denying the fact that the disaster struck Japan at an extremely sensitive time for its nuclear industry. The industry has been facing vehement opposition from the locals, often demonstrated by numerous protest actions and strikes. This opposition arose from the disastrous nuclear meltdowns in Fukushima triggered by the 2011 tsunami. 

Fortunately, no major irregularities have been confirmed at the nuclear plants situated along the East Sea. These also include condition of five active reactors and two plants in Fukui Prefecture. The Shika plant in Ishikawa, closest to the epicentre of the quake, had already put a pause on its two reactors for regular inspections before the calamity struck. 

Present Situation

On 09 January, local authorities of Ishikawa prefecture stated that the casualty count has gone up to a whopping 202, while more than 100 people are still unaccounted for. The rescue workers have intensified the search in the disaster-hit areas. However, adverse weather conditions continue to make the rescue work more tough. The JMA continues to warn the residents to stay updated on disruptions to transportation systems, snow pileup on electrical wires and trees as well as icy roads and other possible life-threatening hazards. Road conditions are worsening day-by-day as heavy rainfall continues to impact the region, this led to approximately 1,000 landslides being reported since 01 January. Over 3,000 people remain isolated in the Noto region. There are water supply disruptions reported from across Noto. Evacuees are struggling to access proper drinking water. Almost 60,000 households are without running water and over 15,600 have no electricity supply. 

Eight days after tragedy struck Ishikawa, the JMA authorities have stated that residents should ‘not let their guards down’. There is a high possibility of earthquakes with magnitude 5.5 and more intensity to strike the prefecture over the coming month. A major reason behind this prediction has to be the island country’s location, considering that Japan is understood to be one of the most ‘seismically’ active nation in the world. Another rather strong reason is the rise in seismic activity, especially in and around Noto region since the end of 2020 as almost 500 minor and medium quakes have been detected in the area. 

It is essential to have a travel insurance while travelling to safely get yourself evacuated in situations like these. We hope the situation in Japan stabilizes soon. Ensure safe travels with Sitata Travel Protection.

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