Population Declines Following the Noto Peninsula Earthquake in 2024

Following the January 1, 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake, population declines of 10% were reported in Wajima and Suzu, totaling significant losses. Other municipalities also experienced notable decreases as the region grapples with the disaster’s demographic consequences.

Ishikawa Prefecture has reported a significant decline in populations within the cities of Wajima and Suzu following the catastrophic Noto Peninsula earthquake that occurred on January 1, 2024. The population estimates indicate a decrease of 10% in Wajima and 10.2% in Suzu, equating to a loss of 2,192 and 1,198 individuals, respectively. This marks a stark contrast to the previous year’s declines of approximately 3% in both cities, highlighting the severe impact of the disaster.

Other municipalities in the Noto Peninsula have also seen notable population decreases. The town of Anamizu is down by 438 residents (6%), while Noto town reported a decline of 850 (6%). The town of Shika experienced a population reduction of 661 individuals (3.8%), and Nanao city lost 1,777 residents, also representing a 3.8% decrease. These figures underscore the extensive demographic impact of the earthquake across the region.

The Noto Peninsula earthquake of January 2024 has had far-reaching effects on local communities, particularly in Ishikawa Prefecture. Areas that were severely impacted are witnessing substantial population losses, which reflect both immediate and longer-term demographic changes. The increase in population decline rates compared to the previous year emphasizes the severe disruption caused by the earthquake and the subsequent challenges faced by affected cities and towns.

In summary, the January 2024 earthquake has led to significant population declines in the cities of Wajima and Suzu, and across hard-hit municipalities in the Noto Peninsula. The reported 10% decrease in populations illustrates the disaster’s detrimental impact on local demographics, contrasting sharply with previous years. This alarming trend suggests that recovery efforts will be essential to stabilize the affected communities.

Original Source: www.japantimes.co.jp