Japan – Noto Peninsula, 7.6 Magnitude Earthquake (January 1, 2024)

 

Japan – Noto Peninsula, 7.6 Magnitude Earthquake (January 1, 2024)

January 1, 2024, marked a significant seismic event for Japan. A 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck the Noto Peninsula, located in the western part of the country. This disaster became one of the most powerful earthquakes in recent Japanese history, affecting both the peninsula and neighboring regions. The earthquake, which mainly impacted the Ishikawa Prefecture cities of Wajima, Suzu, and Anamizu, caused widespread destruction. This article explores the technical details of the earthquake, its human and property losses, the international aid efforts, and the long-term consequences for the region.

Technical Details and Widespread Effects

The earthquake occurred at 16:10 local time (UTC+9) on January 1, 2024, with a depth of 10 kilometers. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) recorded the quake’s intensity as a Shindo 7, the highest possible level on the Shindo scale, indicating the severe impact it had on the region. The tremors were felt not only throughout the Noto Peninsula but also in nearby areas. One of the most noticeable effects was the shifting of the coastline, with some areas seeing a rise of up to 4 meters in the sea floor and shoreline displacement of up to 250 meters. This caused several ports to dry up completely, with fishing boats being stranded on land (space.com).

Loss of Life and Property

The earthquake caused substantial loss of life and property. According to official reports, 592 people were killed, 1,392 were injured, and 2 people remain missing. The hardest-hit area was Wajima city, where 102 buildings were completely destroyed, and 15 people lost their lives (theguardian.com). Suzu and Anamizu cities also experienced significant damage, with many buildings collapsed and infrastructure severely damaged.

Infrastructure and Economic Impact

The earthquake also caused severe damage to infrastructure. Over 60,000 homes were either destroyed or damaged, and 12,929 people were relocated to 521 evacuation centers. Additionally, more than 35,000 households faced water shortages, and 28,301 people were evacuated from the affected areas (jrc.or.jp). The total economic loss is estimated to range between 7.4 and 17.6 billion dollars (en.wikipedia.org).

Rescue and Aid Efforts

Japan, being a disaster-prone country with an efficient disaster response system, launched rescue operations quickly after the earthquake. The Japan Self-Defense Forces deployed a team of 3,600 personnel to the affected region to assist in search-and-rescue operations and deliver essential supplies (apnews.com). International organizations also responded swiftly, with the United Nations and various aid agencies providing humanitarian assistance to the affected areas.

Long-Term Effects and Reconstruction

The long-term effects of the earthquake are especially felt in rural and aging populations. In Wajima, a large number of traditional wooden houses were destroyed, threatening the region’s cultural heritage. Additionally, infrastructure gaps and transportation challenges have delayed the recovery process. The Japanese government has prepared a comprehensive reconstruction plan for the disaster-affected areas, with national-level support being provided for rebuilding efforts (jrc.or.jp).

Conclusion

The earthquake on January 1, 2024, in the Noto Peninsula was one of the most significant disasters in Japan’s recent history. However, Japan’s preparedness for such events, along with rapid intervention, helped mitigate the extent of human loss and damage. Despite this, the long-term recovery process will require extensive efforts to rebuild infrastructure, strengthen the region's resilience to future disasters, and restore social and cultural heritage.