Rescue workers are racing against time to find survivors buried under collapsed homes in western Japan after a series of powerful earthquakes struck the region last week. The death toll has climbed to over 100 people as of Monday, with many still missing.
Over 2,200 People Stranded as Heavy Snow Hampers Rescue Operations
Over 2,200 people remain stranded in isolated communities in Ishikawa prefecture days after the initial 7.4 magnitude quake rocked the region on January 1st. Heavy snow has hindered rescue and aid operations, forcing many survivors to take shelter in evacuation centers without power or running water.
“We have no water, power or telephone lines…We are totally isolated,” said one resident of the small seaside town of Kurikoma. With roads blocked, residents are relying on emergency helicopter deliveries of food and other supplies. Source
Woman in Her 90s Pulled Alive From Rubble After 5 Days
In a remarkable story of survival, a woman in her 90s was rescued from the ruins of her home on Saturday, nearly 5 days after the initial quake. Clad in a blanket and strapped to a board, she was carried away to receive medical care. So far she is the oldest survivor pulled from the wreckage.
“I thought today was the last day of my life when I was buried under the house,” she said. Source
The rescue has given hope that other survivors may still be found in the coming days. However, the window for finding people alive is closing fast in the freezing winter temperatures.
Relentless Aftershocks Continue to Rock the Region
A relentless barrage of aftershocks, some reaching magnitude 6, have continued to rattle residents and hamper rebuilding efforts. Over 150 tremors above magnitude 3 have occurred since the first quake.
“The aftershocks just keep coming, getting gradually weaker, but still enough to keep people on edge,” said Daniel Aldrich, professor of political science at Northeastern University. Source
The repeated seismic activity has caused additional damage and destabilization to structures already left vulnerable after the initial disaster.
| Magnitude | Date/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 6.4 | Jan 3, 2:37am local time | Off the coast of Niigata |
| 6.1 | Jan 5, 1:01pm local time | Off the coast of Fukui |
| 5.4 | Jan 7, 5:14am local time | Ishikawa Prefecture |
Table showing some of the largest aftershocks since the first January 1st quake. Source
Coastline Dramatically Alters After Quake Triggers Massive Landslides
Before and after satellite images reveal stretches of Japan’s coastline dramatically altered by gigantic landslides triggered by the earthquake. Entire hillsides collapsed as the tremors destabilized the steep terrain.
“I’ve never seen anything like this,” said coast guard captain Fumio Yamazaki. “It will take months to clear the debris from the water.”
Several small fishing ports vital to the local economy have been completely blocked off. Further damage assessments are still underway.
Coastline before (top) and after (bottom) landslides triggered by quake. Source
Nuclear Power Plant Reports Oil Leak
The Shimane Nuclear Power Plant in western Japan reported an oil leak from a turbine building after the initial earthquake. Smoke was seen rising from the structure, raising alarm about possible radioactive material escaping.
Plant operators stated that no radiation had leaked outside, and the spill was quickly contained. The reactors had already been shut down before the disaster as part of routine inspection.
“We take this very seriously and will determine the cause of the leak and implement measures to prevent it from happening again,” said an official statement. Source
While minor, the incident has reignited debate about the safety Japan’s nuclear reactors in a highly seismic zone. The government ordered sweeping safety checks of power plants following the quake.
Rebuilding Efforts Expected to Take Years and Cost Billions
While rescue operations continue, the Japanese government has begun drafting reconstruction plans expected to costs tens of billions of dollars.
Japan’s Cabinet approved tapping $1.83 billion from emergency funds to finance immediate disaster relief. Source
Longer term, rebuilding destroyed homes, businesses and infrastructure will take considerably more money and many years to complete. Complicating factors like rugged terrain, freezing winter weather, and ongoing aftershocks will make reconstruction slow and difficult.
The disaster also highlighted how even Japan’s strict, modern building codes proved far from earthquake-proof. While some homes remained standing, many collapsed or caught fire from ruptured gas lines.
“If smaller Japanese communities are going to withstand the next earthquake or tsunami, traditional buildings like (historic temple) Byodoin may offer lessons about flexibility over strength,” said professor Marcial Blondet. Source
Incorporating ancient Japanese architectural techniques better adapted to seismic activity may provide valuable insight for creating more resilient structures.
This will be the 5th major rebuilding effort in Japan since the devastating 2011 earthquake and tsunami. However the integrated effort of government, commercial and volunteer groups provides hope that communities will eventually reemerge stronger than before.
In the meantime, the snowy mountains of Ishikawa prefecture remain shrouded in uncertainty. The full scale of loss may not be known for weeks as blocked roads slowly reopen to reveal the aftermath. But the remarkable rescue of an elderly woman nearly 5 days on gives faith that stories of hope may yet be found in the rubble.
The people of Japan have proven their resilience time and again. Now they prepare to face the hardship ahead and heal both the landscape and their spirits once more.
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