The New Year in Japan started off with a series of tragic events, beginning with a magnitude 7.6 earthquake that struck the Noto peninsula on January 1st, claiming the lives of at least 78 people. The earthquake was felt as far away as Tokyo, causing widespread panic and fear of a tsunami. However, the tsunami did not materialize as expected, with waves reaching only 1.2m in some areas.
The following day, a Japan Airlines flight at Tokyo’s Haneda airport burst into flames after colliding with a Japan Coast Guard plane on the same runway. The dramatic incident resulted in the death of five out of six crew members on the coastguard flight, but miraculously, all 379 passengers on the civil aircraft survived.
The earthquake caused severe damage, leading to the evacuation of thousands of residents, power outages, and disruptions to transportation services. Despite the devastation, Japan’s quick response and disaster preparedness helped mitigate the impact of the disaster. The country’s investment in prevention measures, early-warning systems, and rigorous training for disasters played a crucial role in saving lives and minimizing the destruction.
The resilience and preparedness demonstrated by Japan in the face of these disasters serve as a reminder of the importance of being ready for unforeseen events. The incidents also highlight the ongoing seismic risks faced by the country and the need for continued vigilance and preparedness in the future.