Earthquake victims in Japan endure frigid conditions without basic amenities
Amidst the aftermath of a devastating earthquake in Japan, survivors like Minae Akiyama endure freezing conditions in makeshift shelters, braving the bitter cold without heating or running water
After traveling from southern Japan to Ishikawa prefecture to celebrate New Years with her family, Minae Akiyama experienced the frightening moment when the ground began to shake. "Thinking about it now still makes me tremble. My heart was pounding, my mind went blank, we just scrambled," she told CNN from a shelter in the city of Nanao, where she and her family are now staying in the aftermath of the deadly 7.5 magnitude quake that struck on Monday.
Akiyama vividly described taking cover under a table during the earthquake and fervently praying for survival. After the quake, she quickly gathered essentials and made her way outside. Photographs taken at her mother's house revealed the aftermath of closets and cabinets overturned, and food and kitchen tools strewn across the floor.
Although the family emerged unscathed, the memory of the earthquake still feels raw as they wait for aid at the shelter, enduring frequent aftershocks. Even within the shelter, debris can be seen surrounding the cement pillars of some buildings.
"I feel like, even now, the building is shaking," Akiyama said. "Whenever an aftershock happens, I think of the main quake and my body trembles."
Minae Akiyama during an interview with CNN in Japan.
CNN
The earthquake that struck on the first day of the new year has resulted in the deaths of at least 62 people, with an unknown number of individuals still missing. Rescue efforts are ongoing to locate those trapped in debris or isolated areas. Earlier reports indicated that 120 people were awaiting rescue.
The earthquake that hit the Noto Peninsula in central Japan's western rural area led to alerts for tsunamis, fires, and collapsed buildings. Photos showed entire multi-story buildings toppled, burnt structures, damaged roads, and rubble where houses had once been. For many, the quake was a painful reminder of the devastating 9.0 magnitude earthquake and tsunami that struck TÅhoku in 2011, causing a nuclear meltdown at the Fukushima power plant and resulting in over 22,000 deaths or disappearances, primarily from tsunami waves, with lasting effects still evident today.
Firefighters and Japan Self-Defense Force members rescue an elderly man from a collapsed house on January 3, 2024 in Suzu, Ishikawa, Japan.
The aftermath of Monday's earthquake is still being evaluated, but it seems that the number of deaths and extent of destruction are not as severe as those caused by the 2011 disaster. Japan is a country accustomed to earthquakes, and even in more rural areas, building codes are strictly followed.
Kouki Takahashi, 28, currently residing in Nanao, was a middle school student in Tokyo at the time of the 2011 earthquake. Although Tokyo had experienced some shaking, the epicenter was hundreds of kilometers away from the capital.
This time, the earthquake was much closer to Takahashi. "I have experienced major earthquakes before, but this one felt more intense," he expressed.
He mentioned that the earthquake on Monday reminded him of the TÅhoku earthquake. "It felt similar," he said. "At the time in 2011, it started with light shaking and gradually became more intense."
He had been home taking a bath when the tremors started on Monday. "I was completely naked, quickly got dressed, went outside, and ran to my car," he said, describing how the buildings and telephone poles were swaying dramatically.
A shelter in Nanao city, Japan.
He stayed in his car on Monday night, parked in a lot owned by a friend which felt like the safest place due to the frequent aftershocks and the presence of military helicopters and vehicles passing by.
His apartment remains standing, but with walls damaged by cracks. He mentioned that some of his friends were less fortunate and lost their homes completely.
Akiyama and her family, along with many other survivors, are now staying in shelters. However, the relief efforts are limited.
Aside from a roof, there were few amenities available. During CNN's visit on Tuesday evening, there was no heating, leading people to sleep on mats with thick blankets, wearing coats, hats, and gloves to stay warm in the 4 degrees Celsius (40 degrees Fahrenheit) nighttime temperatures.
Additionally, there was no running water, requiring people to queue outside to receive water from the Japan Self-Defense Forces. This organization is currently collaborating with local governments, police, and fire departments to coordinate search and rescue operations, as announced by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Wednesday.
