Japan earthquake: Satellite images show wiped-out houses
Japan was hit by strong earthquakes (Getty Images)
After strong earthquakes happened on Monday, January 1 in Japan, satellite pictures appeared showing wiped-out houses, faults, and destruction on Japan's west coast and cities inside the country, Business Insider reports.
It caused tsunami warnings, but they were later canceled. Some cities, like Wajima and Kanazawa, experienced waves about 4 feet high.
Houses are wiped out by the earthquakes (Maxar Technologies)
The most powerful quake measured around 7.6 magnitude. The quake caused aftershocks. The Japan Meteorological Agency said that 21 earthquakes, each at least 4.0 magnitude, hit central Japan in about an hour and a half.
Consequences of the earthquakes (Maxar Technologies)
In the town of Suzu, near the epicenter, the mayor said 90% of houses might be destroyed. "The situation is catastrophic," he said.
The disaster left many people without power. Rescue teams are looking for those trapped under fallen buildings.
The fault in the ground (Maxar Technologies)
The ground moved a lot – rising over 13 feet in some places and shifting more than 3 feet in others.
At least 73 people have died. Rescue teams are still working to save those trapped.
Notably, Japan is ready for earthquakes, as its emergency services, buildings, and alerts help keep people safer.
Earthquakes in Japan
On January 1st, a powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.6 struck Japan. Following this, a series of strong earthquakes occurred throughout the day.
As of the evening of January 1st, there were initial reports of only four fatalities due to the earthquakes. However, the number of confirmed casualties rapidly increased. By Tuesday evening, it was reported that 57 people had died as a result of the earthquakes in Japan.
