The death toll from a recent magnitude-7.6 earthquake in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan, is expected to rise as over 200 deaths await review for disaster-related status. Many fatalities, primarily among the elderly, have occurred post-disaster. Once recognized, families may receive significant financial support. The processing of applications remains slow, leaving many cases pending.
In the aftermath of a potent earthquake that struck Ishikawa Prefecture and neighboring regions in central Japan on New Year’s Day of 2024, the death toll is anticipated to increase as over 200 more fatalities are pending review by local authorities. Following the devastating magnitude-7.6 quake that affected the Noto Peninsula, the confirmed death count has surpassed 500, primarily comprising those who succumbed due to complications post-disaster, particularly in evacuation facilities.
The municipal offices have reported that more than 200 individuals in Ishikawa are awaiting formal acknowledgment of their death as related to the earthquake. This figure is distinct from the approximately 230 individuals who were killed directly as a result of the earthquake or in immediate aftermath, such as those trapped in collapsed structures. Once these pending cases are recognized, the bereaved families will qualify for disaster condolence grants of up to 5 million yen (approximately $32,000) as stipulated by relevant legislation.
Among the roughly 270 verified post-quake fatalities in Ishikawa, around 20 percent occurred three months or more after the event. The prefectural government has indicated that the elderly population, primarily those aged 70 and above, constitutes a significant portion of these victims. Of the 115 disclosed cases related to post-disaster death factors, distress and anxiety following the earthquake were cited in 89 instances, while 53 incidents were attributed to disruptions in essential services such as electricity and water, and 37 were linked to conditions in evacuation centers.
In addition to Ishikawa, there have been a few recognized post-disaster deaths reported in Niigata and Toyama prefectures. However, the municipalities have faced challenges processing applications, with fewer than 20 cases handled each month, resulting in a significant backlog.
The region of Ishikawa Prefecture in central Japan experienced a magnitude-7.6 earthquake on January 1, 2024, which notably impacted the Noto Peninsula. A year after this disaster, the cumulative death toll has significantly increased, predominantly due to complications arising in the aftermath, particularly among the elderly population in evacuation centers. The acknowledgment of disaster-related deaths is essential for survivors and families as it enables them to access financial support aimed at disaster relief. The overwhelming number of pending applications for recognition has caused delays, which indicates a systemic issue in processing and assessing the effects of such disasters. Furthermore, the socio-emotional impacts on the affected populations, especially concerning fear and anxiety, have had a substantial influence on health outcomes post-disaster.
The ongoing situation in Ishikawa Prefecture illustrates the significant human toll of the recent earthquake, compounded by slow administrative processes that continue to delay the recognition of numerous deaths as disaster-related. With applications for over 200 fatalities still pending review, the support for bereaved families remains insufficient, highlighting the challenges faced not only by those directly impacted but also by the systems in place intended for their aid. The circumstances echo a pressing need for improvements in disaster response and management protocols, particularly aimed at supporting vulnerable populations in their recovery efforts.
Original Source: english.kyodonews.net
