A powerful earthquake of magnitude 7.5: the consequences of the natural disaster in Japan

On January 1, a powerful 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck the west coast of Japan. Emergency crews continue to conduct rescue operations and search for victims under the rubble of destroyed buildings.

According to a representative of Ishikawa Prefecture, at least 57 people have been reported dead. In addition, dozens more people were injured or went missing as a result of the earthquake, CNN reported.

It is now known that the Japanese Meteorological Agency canceled all tsunami warnings on parts of the country's west coast on Tuesday. However, according to Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, access to the area was blocked by a destroyed road.

"To secure the route there, we have to mobilize all vehicles, not only land, but also air and sea. We have been making efforts to move goods, supplies and personnel there since last night," said Fumio Kishida.

The city of Wajima suffered the most from the disaster. According to NHK, the city experienced tsunami waves of about 1.2 meters (3.9 feet). The fire service reported that about 200 buildings on Asaiti Street, a popular tourist area in Wajima, burned down. Another 25 buildings, including homes, collapsed, and 14 buildings may still have people trapped inside. In total, 15 people are known to have died as a result of the Wajima earthquake.

"Rescue operations are a race against time. Especially those affected by collapsed buildings need to be rescued as soon as possible," said Prime Minister Kishida.

In addition, due to damaged roads and after the terminal was damaged, about 500 people are stranded at Noto Airport until at least Thursday. On the morning of January 2, 4 high-speed trains were stopped, trapping nearly 1,400 passengers inside for about 11 hours. CNN reports that more than 27,700 more people in Ishikawa have taken refuge in 336 evacuation centers, according to a local government official.

It is also reported that due to damaged roads, some hospitals are unable to treat injured patients, and 45,700 households in Ishikawa are without power. At the same time, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said that no anomalies were detected at nuclear power plants near the affected areas.

Currently, the tsunami warning has been lifted as the threat of new waves has decreased. However, the threat of recurrence remains. In addition, according to Susan Gough, a mesologist with the US Geological Survey, such tremors can last for months.

"An earthquake of this magnitude will continue to have aftershocks. It could easily have aftershocks of magnitude 6 or more, so that would be a hazard in itself," said Susan Gough.