A powerful earthquake in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan, on January 1, 2024, is expected to increase fatalities, with over 200 pending cases for review as quake-related deaths. The total death toll may surpass 500 as many casualties stem from post-earthquake conditions, especially in evacuation centers. Municipalities struggle with processing applications, leading to significant backlogs despite available compensation for bereaved families.
The recent earthquake that struck Ishikawa Prefecture in central Japan on New Year’s Day 2024 has led to a significant increase in expected fatalities. With over 200 unprocessed cases pending review for recognition as quake-related deaths, authorities anticipate that the death toll will exceed 500. The majority of these fatalities are associated with the consequences of the earthquake, including individuals succumbing to conditions in evacuation centers, rather than immediate casualties from the quake itself.
The earthquake, which registered a magnitude of 7.6, devastated the Noto Peninsula and resulted in approximately 230 immediate deaths, primarily from structural collapses. The designation of additional fatalities as disaster-related is crucial as it allows bereaved families to access compensation of up to 5 million yen (approximately $32,000), mandated by Japanese law regarding disaster condolence grants.
As of late December, around 270 deaths have been certified as post-quake fatalities in Ishikawa, with a significant number occurring several months after the disaster. Most of the deceased were elderly individuals, predominantly in their 70s or older. Notably, post-disaster conditions such as reported distress from fear of aftershocks and poor living conditions in evacuation centers accounted for many of these fatalities. In addition to Ishikawa, a few cases in nearby Niigata and Toyama prefectures have also been recognized as post-disaster deaths.
The municipalities are currently facing challenges processing applications for disaster-related death recognition, with fewer than 20 cases being handled monthly, resulting in an accumulating backlog. This situation reflects ongoing hardships for residents affected by the quake, many of whom have experienced slow recovery efforts.
The Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa has experienced significant seismic activity, notably a major magnitude-7.6 earthquake that struck on January 1, 2024. This catastrophic event has led to a substantial loss of life and has inflicted severe trauma on the local population. In the wake of such disasters, governments typically offer compensation for loss due to disaster-related fatalities. This specific earthquake has exacerbated ongoing hardships, revealing underlying vulnerabilities within the affected communities, particularly among the elderly population. Municipalities are often tasked with reviewing applications for recognition as disaster-related deaths, a process that necessitates careful evaluation of each case’s circumstances following the seismic event. This situation has led to delays and an accumulation of applications as communities continue to cope with the aftermath of the disaster.
The aftermath of the January 1, 2024 earthquake in Ishikawa Prefecture highlights the ongoing challenges in addressing post-disaster fatalities and the recognition of related deaths. With a backlog of cases awaiting processing, the number of deaths attributed to this disaster is anticipated to increase significantly. This situation underscores the need for improved support and resources for affected communities, particularly for the elderly, who are disproportionately impacted by such crises.
Original Source: english.kyodonews.net
