Travel

Back on Track: Train Services Resume in Earthquake-Hit Region

Ishikawa, Jan 22 (News On Japan) - Three weeks since the Noto Peninsula earthquake, the JR Nanao Line between Hakui and Nanao stations has resumed operation, signaling a much-needed move towards normalcy for local residents. Regular trains are now running on schedule from the first service of the day.

The resumption has been met with voices of joy from passengers.

One student expressed, "Starting today, we can all go to school. I'm so happy that we're finally able to go to school together." Another student shared the excitement, saying, "I'm looking forward to seeing my friends after such a long time."

West Japan Railway Company (JR West) is aiming to resume services by mid-February on the severely damaged section between Nanao Station and Wakura Onsen Station.

The earthquake has to date claimed 232 lives in Ishikawa Prefecture, with 22 people still unaccounted for. The number of evacuees has surpassed 15,000. However, only about 16%, or 2,607 people, are staying in secondary evacuation centers set up in hotels and inns.

Ishikawa Prefecture is bracing for heavy snowfall late Tuesday into Wednesday, with a warning-level snowstorm expected. In the flatlands of the Noto Peninsula, snow accumulation of 20 to 40 centimeters is forecasted. The Meteorological Agency is urging caution against structural collapses due to the weight of the snow.

by Brian Dentry

Source: テレ東BIZ

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