When did an earthquake strike Japan?
On 1st January 2024, as people worldwide celebrated the new year, a massive earthquake hit Japan. It broke buildings, started fires, etc.
The earthquake struck near Ishikawa prefecture’s Noto Peninsula. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) immediately issued a tsunami warning for western Japan's coastal districts. People were told to leave the coastal areas that were in danger.
A series of violent aftershocks followed the earthquake. The JMA said these might keep happening for three days to a week. There are also possibilities of building collapses and landslides.
Oh no! What’s the current situation in Japan?
The earthquake's epicentre was in the Ishikawa prefecture. Around 30 people died because of the earthquake hitting Japan's west coast. Rescue teams are working really hard to help people stuck behind broken buildings.
Many houses don't have electricity, and a lot of buildings were destroyed. Luckily, the tsunami warning was cancelled on the morning of 2nd January 2024. But there have been 155 more earthquakes in the country since the first one on Monday.
Soldiers, firefighters, and police from all over Japan were sent to the worst-hit place in Ishikawa prefecture's Noto Peninsula. But the rescue is taking time because the roads are badly damaged. The teams are having trouble getting to the affected faraway areas.
Many earthquake survivors have been moved to sports halls and school gymnasiums, which are regularly used as emergency evacuation centres. The good news is that the earthquake didn't affect the nuclear plants in the region.
What was the world’s reaction to the earthquake?
People are really sad about what happened in Japan. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and US President Joe Biden both said they're ready to help Japan in any way.
The Indian Embassy in Japan set up a control room for Indian citizens affected by the earthquake. They shared phone numbers and emails for people to contact them.
Let’s hope the people in Japan are safely rescued and timely help reaches those who need it.
