No, it wasn’t alcohol that hit, but earthquake
The way 2024 started for Japanese people will undoubtedly be etched in their memory as Japan’s West Coast experienced significant earthquakes and subsequent tsunami warnings on New Year’s Day, leaving a lasting impression on thousands of citizens. Unfortunately, the toll has been severe, with at least 92 confirmed deaths and 242 missing, and the number may increase as aftershocks continue to shake the region.
Rescuers in Japan faced a race against time and powerful aftershocks as they sought survivors following the New Year’s Day earthquake. The magnitude 7.6 earthquake, centred in Ishikawa prefecture on Honshu’s main island, triggered tsunami waves over a meter high, leading to widespread destruction. The Noto Peninsula suffered immense damage, including buildings destroyed by fire, houses flattened, fishing boats sunk or washed ashore, and landslides blocked highways.
On January 1, within 90 minutes, Japan experienced at least 21 earthquakes, all measuring above 4.0 on the Richter scale, and the most powerful earthquake measured 7.6. Following this series of quakes, the Japan Meteorological Agency issued tsunami alerts and advised coastal area residents to evacuate.
Japan is well-acquainted with earthquakes, as it ranks among the most seismically active nations worldwide and is recognized as the birthplace of seismology, the scientific study of earthquakes. The study of tsunamis, which translates to “harbour and wave” in Japanese, also originated here. The country has frequently made international news due to earthquake-related damage, notably the triple disaster in March 2011, including a 9.0-magnitude earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear meltdown. This incident resulted in the most severe nuclear disaster since the one in Chornobyl in 1986.
What makes Japan so prone to earthquakes?
Japan experiences approximately 1,500 earthquakes each year that are noticeable to people. Seismic activity occurs roughly once every five minutes. This heightened frequency of earthquakes is not unusual along the horseshoe-shaped area known as the “Ring of Fire” encircling the Pacific Ocean’s rim. This region hosts over 400 active volcanoes and spans from the eastern coast of Australia, across to eastern Russia, down the western coast of North America, and along Chile’s west coast.
‘The Ring of Fire’ is a geologically active zone where frequent earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanoes occur. According to reports from the U.S. Geological Survey and the International Tsunami Information Centre, around 80 % of the world’s largest earthquakes and tsunamis happen in this area.
Taiwan and the Philippines, situated on three major tectonic plates, are also susceptible to frequent earthquakes. Meanwhile, Japan sits atop four significant tectonic plates, rendering it one of the most susceptible regions globally to tectonic movements. Earthquakes occur when two of these tectonic plates collide, with one sliding beneath the other, resulting in a sudden release of energy.
Aftermath of Earthquake
In Suzu, a town with slightly over 5,000 households near the earthquake centre, 90% of houses might have been destroyed, as per the town’s Mayor. Numerous rail services and flights heading towards the affected earthquake zone have been cancelled. At Noto’s airport, more than 500 individuals found themselves abandoned as the airport closed due to structural damage, including cracks in the runway, access road, and terminal building.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said, “The government has deployed emergency rescue teams from the Self-Defence Forces, police and fire departments to the area and is doing its utmost to save lives and rescue victims and survivors, but we have received reports that there are still many people waiting to be rescued under collapsed buildings.”
The Japanese government works day and night to evacuate around 100,000 people from their homes and relocate them to sports halls and school gymnasiums, typically used as shelters during emergencies. Nearly half of those evacuated had returned home once authorities lifted tsunami warnings.
The Pope and several global leaders conveyed messages of condolence. US President Joe Biden stated that the United States is prepared to offer any necessary assistance to Japan. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also sent a letter to his Japanese counterpart, Fumio Kishida, to show support and unity with Japan and its people. “I am deeply anguished and concerned to learn about the major earthquake that struck Japan on January 1,” Modi reportedly said. “I express my deepest condolences to the bereaved families of those who lost their lives. We stand in solidarity with Japan and its people affected by the disaster,”
