Society

At least 55 confirmed dead in Ishikawa quake

Ishikawa, Jan 03 (News On Japan) - At least 55 deaths have been reported as of Wednesday morning following the magnitude 7.6 earthquake that struck at around 4:10 PM Monday in Shika Town, Ishikawa Prefecture, with the Mayor of Suzu City revealing that in the heavily affected areas, about 90% of the buildings are either completely or nearly destroyed.

The town of Shika observed a seismic intensity of 7 on the Japanese scale, while areas like Suzu City and Wajima City experienced strong level 6 tremors, and Noto Town felt weaker level 6 tremors.

According to Ishikawa Prefecture, 20 deaths were confirmed in Suzu City, 19 in Wajima City, totaling 48 deaths within the prefecture.

In Wajima City, a popular tourist spot known as "Asaichi Street" and its surroundings experienced a large-scale fire. It is believed that approximately 200 buildings, including homes, were burned.

In Shika Town, which recorded a seismic intensity of 7, some families had to evacuate to shelters due to damage to their homes.

The Meteorological Agency has issued a warning that earthquakes with a maximum intensity of 7 could occur over the next week and is urging caution.

The Japan Meteorological Agency has lifted tsunami advisories for the Sea of Japan, but cautions that strong aftershocks are likely, particularly in the next few days. Tsunami waves over 120 centimeters were reported in Wajima, with Kanazawa recording 90 centimeters.

While there are several nuclear facilities in the area, no major irregularities have been reported. The Hokuriku Electric Power Company has shut down two generators at its Nanao Ota thermal power plant in the prefecture. Bullet train operations are gradually resuming, with the Hokuriku Shinkansen and Joetsu Shinkansen partially operational.

by Brian Dentry

Source: TBS NEWS

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