01 Jan 2024 | 11:27 PM UTC
Japan: Nationwide disruptions likely through early January following magnitude-7.5 earthquake near Anamizu, Ishikawa Prefecture /update 3
Disruptions likely across parts of Japan through early January following magnitude-7.5 earthquake near Anamizu, Ishikawa Prefecture.
Significant travel and business disruptions are likely over the coming days following a magnitude-7.5 earthquake that occurred on the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture during the afternoon of Jan. 1. The temblor struck at about 16:10 with its epicenter about 42 km (26 miles) northeast of Anamizu. The quake produced violent to extreme shaking near the epicenter, with strong to very strong tremors across west-central Honshu and weak to moderate shaking across most of the remainder of the island. About 93 aftershocks ranging between magnitude 6.2 and 3.9 followed the initial earthquake. It could take several days until authorities can conduct comprehensive damage assessments.
As of early Jan. 2, at least six fatalities have been reported, with several dozen other persons being injured. Roadways and public transportation infrastructure have sustained damage, as have communications and utilities assets. Authorities have advised residents of the potential for prolonged power outages and other utility disruptions.
Rail service on the Joetsu Shinkansen has been suspended between Echigo Yuzawa and Niigata early Jan. 2. Service on the Hokuriku Shinkansen is suspended between Nagano and Kanazawa, as well as Toyama and Kanazawa. The Tohoku Shinkansen is slated to operate normally. It remains unknown when rail service will resume. Central Japan Expressway officials have closed sections of the Hokuriku Expressway and the Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway. Japan Airways (ANA) canceled several flights between Haneda (HND) and Noto (NTQ) airports on Jan. 2.
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has canceled its initial quake-related tsunami warnings, downgrading them to tsunami advisories. Tsunami advisories are in force for the entirety of the western and northwestern coasts of Honshu, Kyushu, and Hokkaido islands. A 1.2-meter (3.9-foot) tsunami wave struck Ishikawa Prefecture's city of Wajima following the quake on Jan. 1, sparking a fire that damaged at least 50 residential and commercial buildings; authorities report an additional 30 buildings in the city are in danger of collapsing. The Korean Meteorological Administration (KMA) has also advised the public in the coastal areas of Gangwon Province to be vigilant for possible sea level fluctuations.
At least 36,000 homes are experiencing power outages in Ishikawa and Toyama prefectures. Telecommunications operators Softbank and KDDI reported phone and internet service disruptions in the Ishikawa and Niigata prefectures; however, communication disruptions are also likely in the Toyama Prefecture.
Officials may temporarily shut down transportation infrastructure in the tremor zone to check for damage. Disruptions could occur during shutdowns, but service will likely resume quickly if there is no damage. Further utility outages are likely, particularly near the earthquake's epicenter.
Plan accordingly for aftershocks. Move away from the immediate coastlines in areas under tsunami advisories; tsunamis can be long-duration events, and the threat may persist for hours. Vacate multistoried buildings or unreinforced structures in areas where strong shaking occurred; aftershocks could cause additional damage. Cellular networks may be overwhelmed; use text messaging if services are available. Due to the threat of landslides, seek updated information on road conditions before driving in hilly areas in the affected area. Plan for possible prolonged water disruptions in the impacted area.
