Noto, which suffered a 7.5 scale Earthquake and a devastating tsunami on new year day of 2024 is in which Asian country?

 

The correct Answer is Japan 

Key Points

• The 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck Noto Peninsula, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan on January 1, 2024.
• The earthquake triggered a tsunami, which led to severe coastal flooding and destruction.
• It was the deadliest earthquake in Japan since the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami.
• Over 500 people lost their lives, and thousands were injured and displaced.
• More than 35,000 buildings were damaged due to the quake and its aftershocks.
• Severe ground uplift was reported, extending parts of the coastline by up to 250 meters.
• Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued tsunami warnings immediately after the quake.
• The earthquake occurred in the Noto Seismic Zone, an area of increasing seismic activity since 2020.
• Major roads, power lines, and water supply systems were severely impacted, delaying rescue operations.
• The Japanese government and international agencies mobilized aid and relief efforts.

Important Points

• Epicenter & Depth: The earthquake had an epicenter near Suzu City at a depth of 16 km.
• Tsunami Impact: The tsunami waves reached a height of up to 1.2 meters, affecting Toyama and Ishikawa prefectures.
• Aftershocks: Over 200 aftershocks were recorded in the weeks following the main quake.
• Infrastructure Damage:
• Highways, railways, and bridges were damaged or collapsed.
• Kanazawa Airport was shut down due to structural damage.
• Landslides buried roads and isolated villages.
• Nuclear Safety: No immediate threat was reported from nuclear power plants, but inspections were conducted as a precaution.
• Global Response: Countries including the U.S., China, and South Korea offered aid and support.

Additional Information

• Japan’s Seismic History:
• Japan lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire, making it highly prone to earthquakes.
• Previous major quakes include:
• 2011 Tōhoku Earthquake (9.1M) & Tsunami – Led to the Fukushima nuclear disaster.
• 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake (6.9M) – Devastated Kobe city.
• Disaster Preparedness in Japan:
• Japan has one of the most advanced earthquake early warning systems.
• Buildings are designed to be earthquake-resistant, reducing casualties.
• Regular tsunami drills and emergency response training help mitigate disaster impact.
• Scientific Insights:
• The earthquake resulted from the subduction of the Philippine Sea Plate beneath the Eurasian Plate.
• The Noto Peninsula has experienced gradual crustal deformation since 2020, which may have contributed to the quake.