Subzero Temperatures Strike Earthquake Zone

Earthquake Recovery Hindered by Harsh Cold Snap, Wajima Hits -1.1C

Ishikawa, Jan 26 (News On Japan) - In the aftermath of the Noto Peninsula earthquake, the affected areas continued to experience frigid conditions Friday morning, including Wajima dropping to -1.1C, with the public advised to be vigilant against hypothermia and to exercise caution during restoration efforts to prevent accidents such as slips and falls due to snow and icy road conditions.

According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, snow has accumulated in various parts of the earthquake-stricken region, with 11 centimeters recorded in Suzu City and Kanazawa City, and 7 centimeters in Nanao City as of 4:00 AM. The temperature dropped to as low as minus 1.1C in Mitsui, Wajima City, and 0.2C in Nanao City, as the cold snap persisted into Friday morning.

With many locals enduring prolonged evacuation, there have been consecutive reports of individuals falling ill, along with confirmed deaths suspected to be "disaster-related." It is essential to continue to be cautious of hypothermia, to check on family and neighbors for signs of deteriorating health, and to take measures such as using blankets to keep warm and moving regularly to prevent body temperature from dropping.

While the frequency of earthquakes originating in the Noto region and its vicinity has been gradually decreasing, seismic activity remains active. There have been 1,516 earthquakes with an intensity of 1 or higher observed until 4:00 AM on January 26. The Meteorological Agency continues to urge caution, warning of the possibility of earthquakes with a maximum intensity of strong 5 or higher.

by Brian Dentry

Source: NHK

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