Noto Peninsula Earthquake

Buildings Collapse in Japan Earthquakes; 6 cases of People Buried Alive

Yomiuri Shimbun photos
A building believed to have collapsed due to the earthquake is seen on Monday in Waijma, Ishikawa Prefecture.

The Yomiuri Shimbun

21:13 JST, January 1, 2024

WAJIMA, Ishikawa — Many buildings collapsed on Monday in central Wajima, Ishikawa Prefecture, after strong earthquakes struck the region.

One building appeared to have collapsed from its foundation. Some people around the building were calling out to their family members to “hang on,” while waiting for rescue services.

A fire broke out nearby, burning several buildings. Smoke rose high in the air and explosions were heard.

There are six cases of people buried alive due to the collapse of buildings as a result of the earthquakes, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said Monday during an emergency press conference.