At Least 48 Dead After Monster Japan Quake

A New Year’s Day earthquake that claimed at least 48 lives and wreaked havoc across Ishikawa prefecture on the main island of Honshu kept Japanese rescuers on their toes as they faced strong aftershocks on Tuesday.

The quake, which had a magnitude of 7.5, unleashed tsunami waves over a metre high, sparked a massive fire, and ripped roads apart.

The Noto Peninsula saw buildings engulfed by flames, houses crushed, fishing boats capsized or stranded, and highways blocked by landslides.

“I can’t believe the house is this wrecked and everyone in my family escaped without a scratch,” said Akiko, standing outside her parents’ leaning home in the hard-hit city of Wajima.

She told AFP that the way 2024 began “will stay in my memory forever” after the “intense and violent” earthquake on Monday.

“It was such a strong shake,” Tsugumasa Mihara, 73, said as he lined up with hundreds of others for water in the nearby town of Shika.

Local authorities said the death toll was 48, but the number could go up as rescuers searched through the debris.

“Very severe damage has been verified, including many casualties, building collapses, and fires,” Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said after a disaster response meeting.

“We have to hurry to find and save victims of the disaster.”

Aerial news footage showed the frightening extent of a fire that tore through the old market area of Wajima, where a seven-story commercial building also fell. The quake damage hampered rescue efforts to extinguish the fire.

Almost 33,000 households were cut off from power in the region, which experienced freezing temperatures overnight, the local energy provider said. Many cities lacked running water.

The US Geological Survey said the quake had a magnitude of 7.5. Japan’s meteorological agency measured it at 7.6 and said it was one of more than 210 that rocked the region through Tuesday evening.

Several powerful tremors were felt early Tuesday, including one measuring 5.6 that made national broadcaster NHK switch to a special programme.

“Please breathe deeply,” the presenter said, reminding viewers to check for fires in their kitchens.

Japan’s nuclear authority said there were no problems reported at the Shika nuclear power plant in Ishikawa or other plants after the latest quake.

On Tuesday, China joined the United States and other countries in offering sympathy.