Noto Peninsula Earthquake

10 Deaths Confirmed after Remains Found around Devastated Morning Market in Wajima

The Yomiuri Shimbun

12:22 JST, January 17, 2024

The deaths of 10 people have been confirmed after their remains were found in an area around the morning market in the central part of Wajima, Ishikawa Prefecture, the municipal government said Wednesday, more than two weeks after a powerful earthquake hit the city on New Year’s Day.

Home to one of the most famous morning markets in Japan, the central part of Wajima was devastated by a massive fire following the Jan. 1 Noto Peninsula Earthquake. An area of 50,000 square meters burned down, destroying more than 200 buildings.

The municipal government made the announcement after receiving a report from police on Wednesday. Police have been conducting an intensive search of the area since Jan. 9.

The newly confirmed deaths brought the toll from the disaster to 232 as of 9 a.m. Wednesday.