NANAO, Japan - A devastating earthquake struck Japan on New Year's Day, claiming the lives of at least 30 people, with rescue teams facing challenges in reaching isolated areas where buildings lay in ruins, roads were destroyed, and tens of thousands of homes lost power.
The quake, with a preliminary magnitude of 7.6, hit on Monday afternoon, prompting residents in coastal areas to seek higher ground as tsunami waves battered Japan's west coast, sweeping cars and houses into the sea. The Noto peninsula in Ishikawa prefecture bore the brunt, leading to the deployment of thousands of army personnel, firefighters, and police officers from across the country.
Rescue efforts, however, are hampered by extensively damaged and blocked roads, making it difficult to assess the full extent of the aftermath. Rail services, ferries, and flights to the affected region have been suspended, exacerbating the crisis. Noto airport is closed due to extensive damage, leaving 500 people stranded in its parking lot.
In an emergency disaster meeting, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida emphasized the urgency of the search and rescue operations, acknowledging the battle against time. He mentioned the formidable challenges faced by rescuers in reaching the northern tip of the Noto peninsula due to wrecked roads.
As of now, Ishikawa authorities have confirmed 30 deaths, with half of them in the hard-hit Wajima city near the quake's epicenter. Firefighters are grappling with blazes in several cities, working tirelessly to free more people trapped in collapsed buildings.
The Japan Meteorological Agency reported over 140 tremors since the initial quake, warning of possible strong aftershocks in the coming days.
Survivors recount the terrifying experience, with 74-year-old Nobuko Sugimori from Nanao city expressing the unprecedented intensity of the quake. Buildings have large cracks, furniture scattered, and streets filled with debris, creating a chaotic scene.
Global leaders, including President Joe Biden, have expressed condolences and readiness to provide assistance. Japan ordered around 100,000 people to evacuate, utilizing sports halls and school gymnasiums as emergency shelters. Though many returned home as tsunami warnings were lifted, around 33,000 households in Ishikawa prefecture still lack power.
The disaster has prompted the cancellation of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako's New Year appearance, while Prime Minister Kishida postponed his visit to Ise Shrine.
As rescue efforts intensify, Japan's defense minister revealed that 1,000 army personnel are currently involved, with the potential deployment of 10,000.
Amid the disaster, concerns arise about Japan's nuclear plants, given the 2011 Fukushima incident. The Nuclear Regulation Authority found no irregularities at plants along the Sea of Japan, including Kansai Electric Power's Ohi and Takahama plants. Hokuriku Electric's Shika plant, closest to the epicenter, reported power outages and oil leaks but no radiation leakage.
While the nation grapples with this tragedy, companies like Kokusai Electric, Sharp, Komatsu, and Toshiba are assessing damage to their factories in the affected region. The earthquake adds a layer of complexity to Japan's nuclear industry, still recovering from the aftermath of the 2011 disaster.