Fatalities Expected to Rise Following 2024 Ishikawa Earthquake
The death toll from the January 1, 2024 earthquake in Ishikawa Prefecture is projected to rise as over 200 pending cases for recognition as quake-related fatalities await processing. The total fatalities, exceeding 500, include those who died in evacuation centers or due to aftermath conditions. Bereaved families may receive compensation upon recognition. The majority of deaths occurred among elderly individuals, with significant factors including distress from the disaster and disrupted services.
The recent earthquake that struck Ishikawa Prefecture in central Japan on New Year’s Day 2024 has resulted in significant casualties, with expectations that the number of fatalities could rise due to over 200 pending cases awaiting recognition as earthquake-related deaths. Following the magnitude-7.6 quake that devastated the Noto Peninsula, the official death toll has surpassed 500, largely comprising individuals whose deaths occurred in evacuation centers or were connected to the quake’s aftermath.
As applications for over 200 deaths remain unprocessed, these fatalities are distinct from approximately 230 individuals who died during or immediately after the earthquake due to structural collapses. The law regarding disaster condolence grants entitles bereaved families of recognized victims to receive up to 5 million yen (approximately $32,000). The prefectural government reports that around 20 percent of the 270 acknowledged post-quake fatalities in Ishikawa transpired three months or more post-disaster, with the majority of victims being elderly.
Factors contributing to these deaths, as indicated by the prefectural data, include distress and anxiety following the earthquake, with 89 cases citing these concerns, along with 53 related to disrupted utilities and 37 connected to life in evacuation centers. Additional cases have been recognized in the neighboring prefectures of Niigata and Toyama. However, municipalities have struggled to keep pace with the processing of applications, completing fewer than 20 monthly, thereby creating a backlog of unrecognized cases.
The context of this report centers around the severe impact of the magnitude-7.6 earthquake that occurred on January 1, 2024, in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. The disaster has led to significant loss of life, primarily attributed to both immediate and secondary factors following the earthquake. This situation underscores the challenges faced in accurately tallying disaster-related deaths and the broader implications for local communities, particularly in addressing the needs of affected families and facilitating the processing of applications for compensation and recognition. As the region grapples with recovery, understanding the full scope of fatalities remains crucial for public health and safety initiatives moving forward. The ongoing assessments and challenges highlight a critical discourse around disaster management and support structures necessary in the wake of such catastrophic events.
In conclusion, the aftermath of the earthquake in Ishikawa Prefecture marks a harrowing chapter, with over 500 reported fatalities and over 200 additional deaths awaiting acknowledgment as part of the disaster’s toll. The ongoing challenges faced by municipalities in processing these applications reflect systemic issues that necessitate urgent attention. Addressing the needs of bereaved families through timely recognition of disaster-related deaths is vital in the recovery process, emphasizing the importance of efficient disaster management strategies to support affected populations.
Original Source: english.kyodonews.net
