Since Monday, Japan has experienced 155 earthquakes, including a 7.6-magnitude tremor and others exceeding magnitude 6, as reported by the Japan Meteorological Office.
Although the seismic activity has gradually decreased, six significant tremors were still felt early Tuesday, according to the JMA. On New Year's Day, a major earthquake struck central Japan, resulting in at least eight casualties. The quake triggered tsunami waves over a meter high, causing damage to homes and sparking a major fire that wrought destruction overnight.
The full extent of the damage is still unfolding, with news footage depicting collapsed buildings, sunken boats at a port, numerous charred homes, and locals without power in freezing temperatures.
The US Geological Survey (USGS) reported a magnitude of 7.5 for the quake in Ishikawa prefecture, while Japanese authorities assessed it at 7.6, part of a series of over 90 quakes in the region.
Waves of at least 1.2 meters hit the port of Wajima, and smaller tsunamis were reported elsewhere. However, warnings of more significant waves did not materialize. Aerial footage showed sunken boats at the Suzu fishing port, with one washed ashore, and significant fire damage in Wajima.
As of Tuesday, around 32,700 households in the region remained without power. Tens of thousands were ordered to evacuate, and about 1,000 sought refuge at a military base.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida expressed concern about the cold conditions and instructed emergency workers to deliver essential supplies such as water, food, blankets, heating oil, gasoline, and fuel oil using available means, including planes or ships.
