At least six individuals died in a significant earthquake that struck central Japan on New Year’s Day

Tokyo:

Japanese rescuers battled towards the clock and highly effective aftershocks Tuesday to seek out survivors of a significant earthquake that struck on New Year’s Day, killing not less than six individuals and leaving a path of destruction.

The 7.5-magnitude quake, which hit Ishikawa prefecture on the principle island of Honshu, triggered tsunami waves over a metre excessive, toppled buildings, brought about a significant port fireplace and tore aside roads.

As daylight arrived, the size of the destruction in Ishikawa emerged with buildings nonetheless smouldering, homes flattened and fishing boats sunk or washed ashore.

“Very extensive damage has been confirmed, including numerous casualties, building collapses and fires,” Prime Minister Fumio Kishida stated after a catastrophe response assembly.

“We have to race against time to search for and rescue victims of the disaster.”

Police stated six individuals had been killed though the toll was nearly sure to climb. The Kyodo information company reported that 13 individuals had died, together with seven within the badly hit port of Wajima.

Aerial information footage confirmed devastation from a significant fireplace on the port, the place a seven-storey constructing collapsed. 

Almost 45,000 households have been with out energy within the area which noticed temperatures contact freezing in a single day, the native vitality supplier stated. Many cities have been with out operating water.

The US Geological Survey (USGS) stated the quake had a magnitude of seven.5. Japan’s meteorological company measured it at 7.6, and stated it was considered one of greater than 150 to shake the area by means of Tuesday morning.

Several robust jolts have been felt early Tuesday, together with one measuring 5.6 % that prompted nationwide broadcaster NHK to change to a particular programme.

“Please take deep breaths,” the presenter stated, reminding viewers to test for fires of their kitchens.

Tsunami warning lifted

On Monday waves not less than 1.2 metres (4 toes) excessive hit Wajima on Monday, and a collection of smaller tsunamis have been reported elsewhere.

But warnings of a lot bigger waves proved unfounded and on Tuesday Japan lifted all tsunami warnings.

Images on social media confirmed vehicles and homes in Ishikawa shaking violently and terrified individuals cowering in outlets and prepare stations. Houses collapsed and big cracks appeared in roads. 

A workforce of firefighters crawled below a collapsed, giant business constructing in Wajima, tv footage confirmed.

“Hang in there! Hang in there,” they shouted as they battled by means of piles of wood beams with an electrical noticed.

“There were shaking that I have never experienced before, a local elderly man told NHK.  

“Inside my home, it was so horrible… I’m nonetheless alive. Maybe I’ve to  be content material with that.”

The fire in Wajima engulfed a row of houses, video footage showed, with people being evacuated in the dark, some with blankets and others carrying babies.

A duty officer at Wajima Fire Department said they still were being overwhelmed Tuesday by rescue requests and reports of damages.

A total of 62,000 people had been ordered to evacuate, according to the fire and disaster management agency.

About 1,000 people were staying at a military base, the defence ministry said.

Bullet trains suspended

Defense Minister Minoru Kihara said 1,000 military personnel were preparing to go to the region, while 8,500 others were on standby. Around 20 military aircraft were dispatched to survey the damage. 

Monday’s quake shook apartments in the capital Tokyo some 300 kilometres away, where a public New Year greeting event that was to be attended by Emperor Naruhito and his family members was cancelled.

Several major highways were closed around the epicentre, Japan’s road operator said, and bullet train services from Tokyo were also suspended.

Japan experiences hundreds of earthquakes every year and the vast majority cause no damage.

The country has strict regulations intended to ensure buildings can withstand strong quakes and routinely holds emergency drills.

But the country is haunted by the memory of a massive 9.0-magnitude undersea quake off northeastern Japan in March 2011, which triggered a tsunami that left around 18,500 people dead or missing.

The 2011 tsunami also sent three reactors into meltdown at the Fukushima nuclear plant, causing Japan’s worst post-war disaster and the most serious nuclear accident since Chernobyl.

Japan’s nuclear authority said there were no abnormalities reported at the Shika atomic power plant in Ishikawa or at other plants after Monday’s quake.

In Washington, US President Joe Biden was briefed on Monday’s quake and offered Japan “any needed help” to cope with the aftermath. 

French President Emmanuel Macron expressed “solidarity” whereas Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni supplied condolences and help.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV workers and is printed from a syndicated feed.)