13 people lost their lives in earthquakes in Japan

According to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), numerous earthquakes ranging in magnitude from 5 to 7 occurred yesterday (January 1) in and off the coast of the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa, in the west.

Earthquakes occurred yesterday at 16:06 local time with a magnitude of 5.7, at 16:10 with 7.6, at 16:18 with 6.1, at 16:39 with 5.2, at 16:42 with 5.2, at 16:48 with 5, at 16:56 with 5.7, at 17:07 with 5.2, and at 17:29 with a magnitude of 5.

The statement also reported that numerous other earthquakes with magnitudes between 4 and 5 occurred throughout the region overnight.

Another earthquake with a magnitude of 5.6 was recorded off the coast of the Noto Peninsula on January 2 at 10:17 local time.

In its statement regarding the tsunami, the JMA announced that tsunami warnings had been lifted across the region, including the coasts of Ishikawa.

NEARLY 200 BUILDINGS DAMAGED

It was reported that there was subsidence on highways following the earthquakes, and that nearly 200 structures in the immediate vicinity were damaged in a fire that broke out in the city of Wajima on the Noto Peninsula.

13 PEOPLE LOST THEIR LIVES

In footage belonging to the state broadcaster NHK, a 7-story building in Wajima was seen tilted to one side. The Ishikawa Prefectural Government announced that 13 people had lost their lives following the earthquakes in the region.

In line with the request of the Prefectural Government, Japan Self-Defense Forces personnel were dispatched to the region for search and rescue operations.

AID SUPPLIES TO BE TRANSPORTED BY SHIPS

Prime Minister Kishida Fumio stated in his remarks regarding transportation to the region that access to the northern parts of the Noto Peninsula is extremely difficult.

Kishida conveyed that the central government is making preparations to use ships to deliver aid supplies to the region.

DELAYS EXPERIENCED ON TRAIN LINES

It was announced that many services on the Hokuriku high-speed train lines serving the region experienced delays of up to 11 hours.

It was reported that train services arriving at Kanazawa Station in the center of Ishikawa were suspended until noon.

GREETING CANCELLED

The Imperial Household Agency of Japan (Kunaicho) announced that the event where Emperor Naruhito would greet the public at the Imperial Palace complex in Tokyo has been cancelled.

On the other hand, it was noted that no abnormalities were detected at the out-of-service Shika Nuclear Power Plant, located on the west coast of the Noto Peninsula and owned by Hokuriku Electric Power (Rikuden).

According to the Nuclear Regulation Authority of Japan, no abnormalities were detected at the nuclear power plants located in the Niigata and Fukui prefectures near the epicenter of the earthquake.

News Source: AA