Tsunami flooded over 100 ha (247 acres) in Ishikawa following M7.6 quake, Japan

A tsunami triggered by a M7.6 earthquake on January 1, 2024, has flooded at least 100 ha (247 acres) of land in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan.

The quake, causing waves over 120 cm (3.9 feet) and land displacements up to 3 m (10 feet), has led to at least 222 fatalities, extensive damage and displacement, with the full impact still unfolding.

The land ministry conducted an analysis of Suzu City and Noto Town on the Noto Peninsula, using aerial imagery and concluded that 15 ha (37 acres) of Iida Port in Suzu City were flooded and 27 ha (66 acres) across Nunoura and Kurikawashiri in Noto Town.

Despite ongoing evaluations, the complete extent of damage, especially to residential structures and the precise depth of the flooding, remains uncertain.

By January 6, the death toll increased to 126 and the number of injured people to 305. On January 8, authorities reported 161 fatalities and 103 people, aged between 8 and 95, still missing. The death toll further increased to 202 on January 9 and to 222 on January 15.

Around 10 000 individuals in Ishikawa Prefecture are taking shelter in evacuation centers, and over 2 000 remain isolated due to damaged roads. Rescue efforts are being complicated by heavy snowfall and sub-zero temperatures, leading the government to plan on-foot food deliveries. Additionally, a water shortage a week after the tragedy is worsening hygiene and sanitary conditions in the area.

Read more:

Destructive M7.6 earthquake in Japan results in at least 202 fatalities, 1.2 m (4 feet) tsunami waves, and a land shift of up to 3 m (10 feet)

Update

11:21 UTC, January 15

As of 05:00 UTC, the death toll in Ishikawa Prefecture has risen to 222, as reported by the prefectural government.

This figure includes 14 disaster-related deaths caused by health deterioration during evacuation. The fatalities are distributed across various municipalities: 99 in Suzu, 88 in Wajima, 20 in Anamizu, 7 in Noto, 5 in Nanao, 2 in Shika, and 1 in Hakui. Additionally, 22 people remain unaccounted for, with 18 in Wajima and 4 in Suzu.

References:

¹ Over 100 hectares of Ishikawa Prefecture flooded by tsunami, Land ministry says – NHK – January 3, 2024

² Earthquake death toll rises to 84 in Ishikawa Prefecture – NHK – January 4, 2024

Featured image credit: NHK (stillshot)