A magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck the country on Monday (January 1, 2024); almost 150 replicas have already been recorded
At least 48 people died in Japan in the earthquake that struck the country on Monday (January 1, 2024). The information comes from the Japanese broadcaster NHK. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the strongest earthquake had a magnitude of 7.6 and nearly 150 aftershocks were recorded.
A “severe tsunami” warning was issued with waves up to 3 meters high. The Japan Meteorological Agency later lowered the level to “tsunami warning,” with waves of up to 1 meter. This Tuesday (January 2), the agency withdrew the warning but urged people to be careful as “sea level changes” were observed along the Japanese coast.
The total number of injured Japanese is not yet known, but rescue workers say they are overwhelmed by the number of requests for help across the country. Most of them are residents trapped in the rubble of houses that collapsed in the earthquake.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said on Tuesday (Jan 2) that “relief efforts are being hampered by road obstacles.” According to him, the blockages are making it difficult to transport heavy machinery to the affected areas and the government is considering using ships.
“We are ready to do whatever is necessary to meet the needs of the people,” he said, adding that the country faces a “battle against time” to rescue potential victims.
Cracked roads and destroyed houses can be seen in images posted on social media and in the local press. Witnesses also filmed the moment of the quake from inside facilities.
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