Shallow M6.0 earthquake hits off the coast of Noto Peninsula, site of destructive M7.6 earthquake on January 1
A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the JMA as M6.0 hit off the coast of Noto Peninsula, Japan at 08:59 UTC on January 9, 2024. The agency is reporting a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). The USGS is reporting M5.9 at a depth of 10 km.
The epicenter was located about 55 km (34 miles) WSW of Sado (population 20 000), Niigata, and about 75 km (46 miles) NNE of M7.6 earthquake that hit Noto Peninsula on January 1, leaving more than 200 people dead.
According to the USGS PAGER, 15 000 people are estimated to have felt moderate shaking and 4 058 000 light.
There is no tsunami threat from this earthquake.
The USGS issued a Green alert for shaking-related fatalities and economic losses. There is a low likelihood of casualties and damage.
Overall, the population in this region resides in structures that are resistant to earthquake shaking, though vulnerable structures exist. The predominant vulnerable building types are heavy wood frame and reinforced/confined masonry construction.
Recent earthquakes in this area have caused secondary hazards such as landslides and fires that might have contributed to losses.
According to information provided by Ishikawa Prefecture officials, the number of fatalities caused by the January 1 M7.6 earthquake in Noto Peninsula rose to 202 on January 9 and there are still more than 100 people unaccounted for.
Police in Wajima have launched an intensive search for missing persons.
A major fire in Wajima’s city center destroyed over 200 buildings, covering an area of 48 000 m2 (516 000 ft2).
In the Noto region of Ishikawa Prefecture, more than 3 000 people remain isolated, NHK reports.
Evacuee and volunteer Yamashita Kanako at a Wajima City shelter reports a shortage of drinking water, with residents boiling spring water and fetching river water to flush toilets.
Road damage has prompted relief organizers to employ drones for delivering medicine to those cut off in Wajima City’s Konosu district, with plans to continue drone support for those in need.
More than 120 fishing boats were capsized or sunk, and over 70% of the ports sustained damage.
Featured image credit: TW/SAM, Google
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