In a seismic turn of events, central Japan experienced a magnitude 6.0 earthquake, causing intense shaking, as reported by the government and news agencies. Despite the strong tremors, no tsunami warning has been issued thus far. The epicenter of the quake was situated off the coast of the Sea of Japan, revisiting the region that witnessed a devastating earthquake on January 1, resulting in widespread destruction.
The Japan Meteorological Agency confirmed the seismic activity, and while the immediate impact is being assessed, concerns arise due to the proximity of the current earthquake to the site of the previous disaster. The earlier 7.5 magnitude quake on New Year’s Day had left parts of central Japan in ruins, claiming over 200 lives, with over 100 still missing. Aftershocks from the initial quake exacerbated the damage, demolishing buildings and disrupting vital infrastructure on the Noto Peninsula.
Rescue operations are underway to navigate the wreckage and reach approximately 3,500 individuals stranded in isolated communities. The latest data from Ishikawa reveals a rise in the death toll to 202, up from 180, with 102 individuals still unaccounted for, down from 120 earlier in the day.
The ongoing crisis is marked by over 1,200 aftershocks that continue to unsettle the affected area. The number of missing persons has surged to 323, with a significant portion linked to the badly affected Wajima region. Complicating relief efforts, heavy snow blankets the region, with nearly 30,000 people seeking shelter in 400 government shelters. Moreover, almost 60,000 households grapple with the absence of running water, while 15,600 endure power outages.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has directed ministers to intensify efforts to resolve the isolation of affected communities and persist in vigorous rescue activities. He emphasized the need for secondary evacuations to regions beyond the earthquake-hit area, recognizing the gravity of the situation and the imperative to ensure the safety and well-being of the affected population.
Check here for the latest updates in Hindi!