Japan: Nationwide disruptions likely through early January following magnitude-7.5 earthquake near Anamizu, Ishikawa Prefecture /update 4

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 the afternoon of Jan. 1. The temblor struck at approximately 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 the rest of the island. Dozens of magnitude-5.0 and above aftershocks followed the initial earthquake. It could take several days until authorities can conduct comprehensive damage assessments.

As of the afternoon of Jan. 2, authorities have confirmed at least 30 fatalities in Ishikawa Prefecture, including 15 in Wajima City and six in Suzu City, with several dozen other injuries. Crews have evacuated more than 32,000 people in Ishikawa and Toyama prefectures. At least 25 and 53 houses in Wajima City and Suzu City, respectively, have collapsed. Roadways, public transportation infrastructure, and communications and utilities assets have sustained damages. Authorities have advised residents of the potential for prolonged power outages and other utility disruptions. Around 500 people are isolated at Noto Airport (NTQ) in Wajima City, Ishikawa Prefecture, as nearby roads are cut off. The airport sustained some damage and will remain closed until at least Jan. 4. The earthquake damaged part of Shiga Nuclear Power Plant; the plant is not operational, and there is no risk of an accident.

Officials have suspended rail services on the Joetsu Shinkansen between Echigo Yuzawa and Niigata and the Hokuriku Shinkansen between Toyama and Nagano stations through at least the afternoon of Jan. 2. The Tohoku Shinkansen is operating normally. All roads heading to the Oku-Noto Region are closed, including the Noto Satoyama Kaido and National Route 470 between Noto Mitsui and Anamizu interchanges. National Route 160 is closed near Higashihama, Nanao City. Numerous national and prefectural roads in Ishikawa Prefecture are also closed, with the worst impacted areas in and near Wajima, Nanao, and Hakui cities.

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) canceled its initial quake-related tsunami warnings and advisories early Jan. 2. A 1.2-meter (3.9-foot) tsunami wave struck Ishikawa Prefecture's city of Wajima Jan. 1 following the quake, sparking a fire that destroyed at least 200 buildings; emergency crews extinguished the fire early Jan. 2. Rainfall is forecast over Ishikawa Prefecture late Jan. 2-4. Authorities have warned of the risk of landslides and have urged residents to be vigilant.

Power outages are affecting tens of thousands of homes in Ishikawa and Toyama prefectures. Telecommunications operators Softbank and KDDI reported phone and internet service disruptions in Ishikawa and Niigata prefectures; communication disruptions are also likely in Toyama Prefecture. Further utility outages are likely, particularly near the earthquake's epicenter.