Two Homes Collapse in Japanese Region Due to Earthquake Following Deadly January Quake
TOKYO—Earthquakes early Monday struck Japan’s north-central region of Ishikawa again, which is still recovering from the destruction caused by a powerful quake on Jan. 1. Fortunately, the latest shaking only caused minor damage.
A magnitude 5.9 quake on the northern tip of the Noto Peninsula was followed by a 4.8 temblor and several smaller aftershocks within the next two hours, as reported by the Japan Meteorological Agency. Thankfully, there was no risk of a tsunami.
While two houses that were already damaged in the Jan. 1 quake collapsed in Wajiima city, no injuries or additional damage were reported so far, according to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency.
JMA seismology and tsunami official, Satoshi Harada, mentioned that Monday’s quakes were likely aftershocks of the magnitude 7.6 earthquake on Jan. 1. Although seismic activity has slightly decreased, Mr. Harada advised caution, especially near buildings that were previously damaged.
Shinkansen super-express trains and other train services were briefly halted for safety checks but were mostly back in operation, according to West Japan Railway Co.
The Nuclear Regulation Authority confirmed no abnormalities at two nearby nuclear power plants. Despite minor damage at the Shika plant on the Noto Peninsula, officials assured that it did not affect the cooling functions of the two reactors.
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Hokuriku Electric Power Co. confirmed that there were no power outages.
The earthquakes on Monday reignited fear among residents who are still working to recover from the damages of the New Year’s quake. NHK public television aired footage of people emerging from their homes and temporary shelters to assess if there was any additional damage.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi remarked, “Many people who have been living at evacuation centers must have been frightened,” emphasizing the need for caution against potential falling rocks and landslides in areas that experienced strong shaking.
Reconstruction efforts are progressing slowly in the mountainous areas of the peninsula, with many damaged houses remaining untouched.
In Wajima, one of the most severely impacted areas, an inn operator recalled immediately seeking shelter under the desk at the reception when the first quake struck on Monday. While nothing fell or broke, the event reminded him of the January tremors, sparking concerns about a possible recurrence of a major quake months later.
The Jan. 1 earthquake claimed the lives of 260 individuals, including those who succumbed to stress, illnesses, and other causes linked to the quake. Three people are still missing, as reported by the FDMA. Significant damages persist, with over 3,300 residents remaining displaced.
By Mari Yamaguchi
