Self-Defense Forces Deployed, Wajima Base Offers Refuge in Response to Japan Earthquakes

The Yomiuri Shimbun

22:29 JST, January 1, 2024

In response to earthquakes in Ishikawa Prefecture, the Defense Ministry announced Monday night that about 20 aircraft from the Ground, Maritime and Air Self-Defense Forces have been deployed to the affected areas to gather disaster information.

According to the ministry, about 1,000 residents have taken refuge at the Air Self-Defense Force’s Wajima Base in Wajima, Ishikawa Prefecture.

The SDF dispatched initial response teams to the affected areas and is preparing to send an additional 1,000 personnel. Furthermore, 8,500 personnel are on standby.

Wajima experienced upper 6 on the Japan seismic intensity scale of 7. Flames were seen spreading along the coastal residential areas at around 6:40 p.m. on Monday from a Yomiuri Shimbun aircraft.

According to the Ishikawa prefectural police, a total of 106 emergency calls have been received as of 5:30 p.m. on the day.

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