At least 30 people died in Japan on the first day of 2024 after a series of strong earthquakes jolted the country, leaving authorities struggling to assess the full extent of the disaster. The Japan Meteorological Office reported that since Monday, the island nation has experienced as many as 155 earthquakes, including an initial 7.6 magnitude quake and several others exceeding a magnitude of 6.
Following the initial earthquake, tsunami warnings were issued, and waves as high as 5 feet hit the country. Nearly 33,000 households remained without power on Tuesday, and important routes across the country, including major highways, are non-operational, impacting rescue services.
The damage caused by the earthquakes is still being assessed, with reports of tumbled buildings, sunken boats, burnt homes, and locals without power. Thousands of army personnel have been deployed to the worst-affected region, the Noto Peninsula, but rescue operations have been disrupted due to damaged and blocked roads.
As a result of the earthquakes, tens of thousands of people have been ordered to evacuate, with many spending the night in sports halls and school gymnasiums. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida ordered search and rescue teams to reach the affected regions as quickly as possible, emphasizing the urgency to assist those impacted by the disaster.
The latest earthquake disaster in Japan has prompted tsunami warnings from neighboring countries such as Russia, South Korea, and North Korea. US President Joe Biden also expressed readiness to offer necessary assistance to Japan, emphasizing the deep bond of friendship between the two countries.
Japan is vulnerable to frequent earthquakes, with strict regulations in place to ensure buildings can endure strong jolts. The most recent major quake before this disaster occurred in 2022 off Fukushima. In 2011, a 9.0 magnitude earthquake and tsunami hit northeast Japan, resulting in mass casualties and one of the world’s worst nuclear disasters since Chernobyl. The country continues to grapple with the aftermath of natural disasters and their devastating impact on communities.