Sciences de la Terre - Catastrophes naturelles

Swaying grounds and rising concerns: Japan's recent earthquake

On the first of January 2024, japan was jolted with an earthquake registering at a magnitude of 7.5 that caused multiple deaths and injuries. But do you really know earthquakes ? Here's everything you need to know. 

On January 1st, 2024, joy turned to terror for many in Japan as a powerful earthquake measuring 7.5 on the Richter scale struck the country shortly after 4:00 pm. The unexpected tremor caused widespread destruction, leaving buildings in ruins, igniting fires, and disrupting essential services like power and water.

Japan, situated in one of the world's most seismically active regions, experiences numerous earthquakes each year. While most are minor and go unnoticed, the January earthquake's significant magnitude resulted in devastating consequences.

Understanding earthquakes:

Imagine Earth's surface as a giant jigsaw puzzle, where the interlocking pieces are called tectonic plates. These plates are constantly in motion, grinding against, bumping into, or subducting beneath each other. These movements cause the ground to shake, triggering what we experience as earthquakes.

Japan sits on four major tectonic plates, making it particularly prone to earthquakes. Although many tremors occur annually, most have a low magnitude and cause minimal damage. However, the January earthquake's high magnitude of 7.5 generated immense forces, inflicting widespread destruction.

Through the eyes of the survivors:

One survivor, recounting the horror of the event, stated, "The way 2024 began will forever be etched in my memory." Images and videos captured the fear and devastation witnessed by many (refer to images 2 and 3).

Shinngi Takesono, a resident on his way home when the earthquake struck, described feeling his car shake violently. He immediately texted his wife to turn off their home heating system, a potential fire hazard during quakes. Upon reaching home just two minutes after a smaller foreshock (a tremor preceding a larger earthquake), he witnessed his house reduced to ashes. His wife, tragically, remained unaccounted for. Filled with deep regret, Takesono shared his story as a "cautionary tale" for others to prepare for such emergencies.

Another heart-wrenching story emerged from the town of Anamizu, where Naoyuki Teramoto discovered his children's bodies. The family had planned a celebratory trip to celebrate his daughter's successful high school entrance exam.

Rebuilding lives, rebuilding hope:

The aftermath of the earthquake presented immense challenges. Shunsaku Kohriki, an official, acknowledged the harsh conditions faced by evacuees. Rebuilding efforts in the damaged areas were hampered by heavy snowfall and the lingering threat of another powerful earthquake. Temporary shelters, including sports centers in Kanazawa and hotels, housed the displaced residents.

Frustration mounted among the evacuees due to a lack of information regarding the reconstruction process. Many, like Hiroe Kawabe, were unsure whether to stay or leave. "We need information about the timeline for rebuilding and temporary housing," she expressed, highlighting the critical need for clear communication from authorities.

Despite the immense hardship, the Japanese spirit of resilience shone through. Yoshie Minamidani, determined to rebuild her life, reopened her seafood shop. Her story, along with countless others, exemplifies the remarkable capacity of the Japanese people to adapt and persevere in the face of adversity.