The aftermath of the powerful magnitude 7.5 earthquake that struck Japan's Ishikawa Prefecture on New Year's Day killed at least 30 persons.
The quake, which occurred in central Japan's Ishikawa Prefecture at around 4:10 p.m. local time, took residents by surprise with its intensity and impact, causing significant damage and loss of life.
The earthquake originated on the Noto Peninsula with a depth of approximately 10 kilometres (6 miles), as recorded by the United States Geological Survey.
Authorities have cautioned about the likelihood of strong aftershocks persisting for the next week, particularly within the upcoming two to three days, heightening concerns for further seismic activity in the region.
The quake prompted a major tsunami warning initially, especially along the Sea of Japan, with reports of significant waves observed in several cities in Ishikawa, including Wajima and Kanazawa.
Japan's Meteorological Agency has now lifted all tsunami advisories along the Sea of Japan, providing some relief amid the disaster situation.
Wajima City bore the brunt of the destruction, with a fire outbreak engulfing over 100 establishments and residences, leaving a seven-story building completely toppled, impacting a renowned traditional marketplace frequented by tourists.
At least eight casualties have been confirmed in Wajima City, including a man fatally trapped under a collapsed structure. Rescue efforts are ongoing, with over 50 reports of collapsed houses and individuals trapped under debris.
Beyond Ishikawa, the quake's impact has caused injuries in multiple other prefectures, with dozens reported injured in Niigata and Toyoma, highlighting the widespread reach of the disaster.
The region has experienced over 100 subsequent tremors following the initial quake, indicating the seismic instability and persistent threats in the aftermath.
The earthquake has disrupted power supply to over 44,000 households in Ishikawa Prefecture, causing the shutdown of generators at a thermal power plant. Shinkansen bullet train services have also been affected.
Emergency services are actively responding to collapsed structures, trapped individuals, and injuries across affected areas, with ongoing efforts to mitigate the aftermath of this devastating natural disaster.
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