After the deadly New Year’s Day earthquake in Japan’s north-central region of Noto, some signs of hope have emerged, with the reopening of schools and limited garbage collection resuming. The magnitude 7.6 earthquake killed at least 222 people and injured thousands, with more than 20 still missing. Around 20,000 people have been sheltering in makeshift facilities, and many homes have been damaged or destroyed.
Classes have restarted at nearly 20 elementary, junior high, and high schools in some of the hardest-hit towns, while a part of the local train line has also resumed service. However, about 50 schools remain closed due to earthquake damage. Many residents are still without running water or electricity, and water pipe repairs could take months. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s government has been criticized for being slow in providing relief, and officials may have underestimated the severity of the quake damage in their initial analysis.
During a visit to the region, Kishida pledged an additional 100 billion yen for reconstruction, in addition to the 4.7 billion yen in relief funds approved earlier in January. Local farming and fishing industries have also suffered significant harm, with many fishing ports and boats damaged or destroyed.
Emperor Naruhito offered his first public condolences for the earthquake victims and their families, praising relief workers and canceling the annual New Year public greeting event due to the quake. Despite the ongoing challenges, signs of progress are beginning to emerge in the devastated region.
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