Powerful earthquake in Japan: at least 57 fatalities

A powerful earthquake hit the western coast of Japan on January 1^st. The quake has resulted in the confirmed deaths of at least 57 people. The Japan Meteorological Agency reported the earthquake as a magnitude 7.6, causing significant damage in Ishikawa prefecture on Honshu Island. Numerous homes and structures were flattened, trapping an unknown number of people in the debris. Roads and other infrastructure were extensively damaged, while a regional airport's runway had cracked, hindering emergency assessments.

The earthquake triggered tsunami waves exceeding one meter, sweeping away cars, homes, and fishing boats across the region. Wajima, a port city in Ishikawa known for its morning market and traditional crafts, suffered substantial damage, including a massive fire that engulfed numerous buildings. Firefighters worked through the night to control the fire.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida stated during a meeting on Tuesday that search and rescue teams are engaged in a race against time to save any remaining victims trapped in the rubble in Ishikawa. It should be mentioned that more than 40,000 households in Ishikawa are without electricity.

Furthermore, over 1,000 members of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces have been sent to the disaster areas. U.S. President Joe Biden pledged necessary assistance, emphasizing the deep bond of friendship between the United States and Japan. The Japanese Meteorological Agency lifted all tsunami warnings for the western region early Tuesday since initially issued major and lower-level warnings for various coastal areas.

A series of strong aftershocks followed the quake, expected to continue over the next few days. Memories of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, which led to the Fukushima nuclear disaster, resurfaced. However, there were no reported irregularities at nuclear power plants near the earthquake's epicenter. Major highways were closed, and bullet train services between Tokyo and Ishikawa were suspended, with partial service restoration in the affected region on Monday evening.