The article recounts the severe impact of a magnitude 7.5 earthquake that hit Wajima, Japan, on New Year’s Day, resulting in significant fatalities, destruction of property, and ongoing recovery challenges. Survivors like 83-year-old Sueko Naka now reside in temporary housing, facing anxiety about future disasters as reconstruction efforts struggle under infrastructural damage and population decline.
In the aftermath of a devastating earthquake on New Year’s Day last year that struck Japan’s Noto Peninsula, residents face a grim reality. Sueko Naka, an 83-year-old survivor, now lives in a temporary housing unit with her family, far removed from the comfort of her ancestral home. The earthquake, which registered a magnitude of 7.5, resulted in nearly 470 fatalities, and its effects continue to reverberate throughout Ishikawa Prefecture.
As many as 40,000 individuals were evacuated to makeshift shelters, with remnants of structural damage apparent across Wajima, where recovery has been painfully slow. The earthquake destroyed over 100,000 buildings and rendered another 6,000 unusable in the prefecture. One year later, with aftershocks still unsettling residents, only a fraction of the destruction has been cleared, leaving many, including Naka, residing in temporary accommodation.
The infrastructure remains largely in disarray, with roads broken and landslides complicating the rebuilding efforts. Amid these challenges, Wajima’s population is dwindling, a trend exacerbated by both the earthquake and Japan’s broader demographic issues, which see young people leaving for urban centers. City officials and community leaders are striving to incentivize younger residents to remain and contribute to the reconstruction process, yet obstacles prevail, including severely damaged farmland and homes.
Naka, reflecting on her experience, expressed profound sadness for the upheaval her family has endured, stating, “When I remember what happened, I can only cry.” Her daughter echoes a shared sentiment of apprehension about the potential for future disasters, deeming the current reality as “only scary.” As the recovery unfolds, the enduring resilience of the community remains to be seen, amid a backdrop of uncertainty and loss.
The article discusses the aftermath of a significant earthquake that struck Wajima, Japan, on January 1, 2022, marking the deadliest quake in over a decade. With substantial loss of life and widespread infrastructural damage, the community is grappling with the long-term effects of the disaster. The article highlights individual experiences, particularly that of Sueko Naka, whose life changed drastically after the earthquake, showcasing the emotional and physical challenges faced by survivors. The continued threats of aftershocks and environmental factors further complicate recovery efforts, revealing deeper issues related to population decline and community resilience in the face of natural calamities.
The earthquake in Wajima has left a profound impact on the local community, evidenced by the emotional struggles and housing uncertainties faced by survivors like Sueko Naka. With the structure of the community and its population in decline, recovery efforts are hindered by ongoing fears of aftershocks and the devastating effects of natural disasters on infrastructure. As residents strive to rebuild their lives and homes, significant challenges remain that threaten the future of the town and its people.
Original Source: www.taipeitimes.com
