Prime Minister Kishida Declares Emergency as Japan Grapples with Earthquake Aftermath

TOKYO: A series of strong earthquakes, including a major one measuring 7.6 on the Richter scale, struck central Japan’s Noto Peninsula and surrounding areas, resulting in 24 reported deaths.

The Japan Meteorological Agency officially named it the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake. Over 155 quakes have been recorded since Monday.

Wajima city witnessed a large-scale fire, collapsing buildings, and numerous people trapped. Injuries were reported in Niigata, Toyama, Fukui, and Gifu prefectures.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida declared a battle against time in rescue efforts, deploying self-defense force troops. Tsunami warnings were issued but later lifted. Thousands of households are without power, and four stranded bullet trains have resumed service.

Japan, situated in the Pacific Ring of Fire, faces frequent seismic activity. The catastrophic 2011 earthquake led to a devastating tsunami and nuclear disaster in Fukushima.