1 of 2 buildings collapsed in Wajima after a strong earthquake in Japan on January 1, 2024 Photo: Kyodo via Portal Building collapsed in Wajima after a strong earthquake in Japan on January 1, 2024 Photo: Kyodo via Portal
The death toll from a series of earthquakes that struck Japan on Monday (1) rose to 30. The information was reported by public television NHK, citing Japanese authorities.
The tremors were felt across the Noto Peninsula, with the strongest earthquake having a magnitude of 7.6, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. The region is where most of the damage and deaths caused by the phenomenon are concentrated.
This Tuesday (2) rescue teams continue to search for the injured. According to the Japanese government, around 1,000 soldiers are deployed to help the victims.
“The search and rescue of people affected by the earthquake is a fight against time,” Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said during an emergency meeting on Tuesday.
The Japanese government said rescue workers were having difficulty reaching the northern tip of the Noto Peninsula. Some regions are isolated as roads have been destroyed.
According to the fire department, at least 30 buildings collapsed in the city of Wajima in the north of the peninsula. There are reports of people trapped under rubble.
In the Suzu region, the city's mayor also said up to 1,000 houses were destroyed. “The situation is catastrophic,” said Masuhiro Izumiya.
Shortly after the earthquake, more than 900 emergency calls were registered. The government said there are still 120 cases of people waiting to be rescued.
On the first day of 2024, a strong earthquake shakes Japan
The series of earthquakes led Japan to issue a tsunami warning for the entire west coast of the country. In total, around 140 tremors were recorded in the region in the last 24 hours.
Shortly after the magnitude 7.6 quake, the weather service warned of the risk of a “large tsunami” with waves of up to 5 meters. All warnings have been suspended this Tuesday.
Nevertheless, waves of around one meter were recorded in regions near the epicenter of the strongest quake.
According to Portal, properties and vehicles were eventually hit by the force of the sea.
2 of 2 7.6 magnitude earthquake shakes Japan — Photo: Arte g1 7.6 magnitude earthquake shakes Japan — Photo: Arte g1