At least 30 people were killed in a severe earthquake that struck central Japan on January 1 (New Year’s Day), said the authorities on Tuesday (January 2). The earthquake triggered tsunami waves over a metre high and sparked a major fire which wreaked destruction overnight and damaged homes.
The scale of destruction caused by the earthquake is still emerging as news footage showed sunken boats at a port, toppled buildings, locals living without power amid freezing overnight temperatures and countless charred homes.
Speaking to AFP on Tuesday (Jan 2), a meteorological agency official said that all the tsunami warnings and advisories which were imposed after the earthquake were lifted in Japan.
Quake caused “extensive” damage: PM Kishida
The official said that small changes to tidal levels can still take place. Meanwhile, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Tuesday (Jan 2) said that the major quake had caused “extensive” damage and led to numerous casualties.
“Very extensive damage has been confirmed, including numerous casualties, building collapses and fires,” he said to reporters while stating that it is a “race against time” to rescue victims.
“We have been making all efforts to gather information since yesterday evening, but the blockage of roads means it is extremely difficult to access the northern part of the Noto peninsula. An inspection from above via helicopter has shown widespread damage including roads cut off, landslides and fires,” he said.
“We have information that 1,000 Self Defence Force (SDF) personnel have arrived in the region. Excluding the area’s own police, fire service, SDF and Coast Guard units, we have received reports from other regional police forces that 634 disaster relief personnel and 2,039 fire service personnel have arrived in the area,” the prime minister said.
“Now that the tsunami warning has been lifted, we will be able to secure sea transport routes, and we have been working continuously since last night to mobilise not only land transport but also air and sea transport to get the necessary supplies and rescue personnel to the area,” Kishida added.
“It has been extremely difficult to reach the northern part of Noto Peninsula due to the blockage of roads,” said Kishida, after a disaster response meeting.
155 earthquakes hit Japan
The Japan Meteorological Office said that the country has been hit by 155 earthquakes, which included a 7.6-magnitude jolt and another of magnitude over 6, since Monday (Jan 1).
The JMA stated that the magnitude of most of the quakes was greater than 3 while the strength moderated gradually. It added that six strong jolts were still felt in the country early Tuesday (Jan 2).
The US Geological Survey (USGS) stated that the magnitude of the earthquake, which hit Ishikawa prefecture on the main island of Honshu, was 7.5.
At least 1.2 metres (four feet) high waves hit the port of Wajima on Monday (Jan 2), and multiple smaller tsunamis were reported elsewhere. The local energy provider said that nearly 32,700 households were without power on Tuesday (Jan 2).
Watch: Japan Earthquake: 7.6 Magnitude Earthquake strikes Japan, triggering tsunami warning
As per the fire and disaster management agency, tens of thousands of people have been asked to evacuate. The defence ministry said that nearly 1,000 people have been staying at a military base.
“I instructed (emergency workers) to reach the area as soon as possible by using whatever means available,” said Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, on Monday (Jan 1) after attending a disaster response meeting.
“It is very cold now. I issued an instruction to deliver necessary supplies like water, food, blankets, heating oil, gasoline, and fuel oil, by using planes or ships,” Kishida added.
Highways closed, bullet trains suspended
Many bullet train services were suspended from Tokyo and Japan’s road operator said that several major highways, around the epicentre, were closed.
As per the local media, four bullet trains were halted for hours on Monday (Jan 1) in the affected region as nearly 1,400 passengers remained stuck. Mobile phone coverage and flights also reportedly remained disrupted as many convenience stores were closed.
Defense Minister Minoru Kihara said that nearly 1,000 military personnel are prepared to go to the region and around 8,500 others have been kept on standby. They also dispatched 20 military aircraft to survey the damage.
The Japan Meteorological Agency said that the country can face more quakes in the next two to three days. As per local media reports, nearly 100 buildings were burned in central Japan.
Biden offers assistance to Japan
United States President Joe Biden offered assistance to Japan on Monday (Jan 1) in the wake of the deadly earthquake.
“As close allies, the United States and Japan share a deep bond of friendship that unites our people,” said Biden in a statement.
“My administration is in touch with Japanese officials, and the United States stands ready to provide any necessary assistance for the Japanese people,” he added.
(With inputs from agencies)
