Latest news with #SuzuCity
NHK
24-07-2025
- Climate
- NHK
Japan begins using new tsunami warning label when equipment fails
The Japan Meteorological Agency has begun using the label "data not available" when tsunami observation systems are damaged and unable to function. The agency aims to help the public understand when a large tsunami may be approaching so they can take action to protect their lives. The JMA implemented the new system at noon on Thursday. The agency says it will report a "data not available" status for locations where information on tsunami cannot be obtained. The move is based on lessons learned from the earthquake in the Noto Peninsula. When an earthquake with a risk of tsunami occurs, the agency typically issues a major tsunami warning, tsunami warning, or tsunami advisory within about three minutes. It also provides updates on the observed time and height of tsunamis at different locations, using data from observation systems installed along the coast. But during last year's Noto Peninsula earthquake, the tsunami gauges set up at a fishing port in Ishikawa Prefecture's Suzu City became inoperable after the land in the area was uplifted. As a result, the agency was unable to publish tsunami height or other data, even though waves were approaching the city. The JMA was also unable to capture data when a major earthquake struck off the coast of the Tohoku region. Observation facilities were damaged by debris swept in by the massive tsunami. The agency says that if people see or hear the "data not available" label while tsunami warnings are in place, they should assume a large tsunami might be approaching and evacuate immediately.
NHK
30-06-2025
- General
- NHK
Population of Oku-Noto region decreases 10%, 18 months after powerful quake
Tuesday marks 18 months since a powerful earthquake hit areas along the Sea of Japan coast including Noto Peninsula on New Year's Day of 2024. The death toll from the quake, including those who died later due to disaster-related causes, in the prefectures of Ishikawa, Toyama and Niigata has reached 616. The number could rise as officials are still vetting applications from families seeking the deaths of their loved ones to be classified as disaster-related. The population of the quake-hit areas has been declining. Four cities and towns of the Oku-Noto region, northern Ishikawa Prefecture, had seen a 10.7-percent drop in the local population by the end of April. Officials in the city of Suzu say that more than 1,870 people were living in the Horyu-machi district, but that as of the end of May, the population was 300 fewer, marking the largest decline in the city. A group of residents has surveyed local households and found some child-rearing families are planning to move out due to the uncertain outlook for their futures. The group says many households have their residencies registered in the district, but live in Kanazawa or other cities. Tada Shinro, who heads the group, said that it is uncertain whether the local community can be reconstructed and remain intact. He said that he expects people who have left the area after the quake to visit the district in August for a traditional local festival that is to be held for the first time in two years. He said he wants them to rethink whether they will return and live in the district. Officials are still struggling to bring liveliness back to local communities.
NHK
08-06-2025
- Sport
- NHK
Marathon event makes comeback in quake-hit Noto Peninsula, central Japan
A marathon event was held in Suzu City in Ishikawa Prefecture, central Japan, for the first time in six years. Participants ran through the city where damage from the January 2024 quake can still be seen. Sunday's 35-kilometer race attracted 114 people from across the country. The course's turning point was the Rokkosaki lighthouse on the tip of the Noto Penninsula. The annual "Noto Peninsula Suzu Ultramarathon" was first held in 2012, but stopped in 2019 because organizing members were aging. Some residents responded to calls for reviving the event with the hope that it would help spread awareness about the quake-stricken areas' current situation. The organizers restricted the number of participants and kept the distance to 35 kilometers due to limited local accommodation facilities and poor road conditions. A 51-year-old participant from Kaga City in Ishikawa Prefecture said the weather was hot but he was encouraged by the people who came to cheer the runners along the route. He said he saw cracked roads and collapsed buildings, but he could feel that recovery efforts were underway when he saw buildings under construction. He added that he wants to come again.
