A powerful earthquake and subsequent aftershocks hit the west coast of Japan on Monday, Jan. 1. The initial quake was magnitude 7.6 off the Ishikawa coast and hit at 4 p.m. Japanese Time (2 a.m. Eastern Time in the United States).
Updated news reports on Jan. 2 said the death toll had increased to 55 people, while hundreds of buildings and roads were damaged and many lost power and cellphone service. Rescue efforts are underway to find anyone trapped.
Nearly 100,000 residents were ordered to evacuate over fears of a tsunami. While the warning was later reduced to an advisory, those in coastal areas were told to wait to return to their homes. Tsunami warnings were also issued for parts of North Korea and Russia.
This was the first major tsunami warning in Japan since the deadly March 2011 earthquake and tsunami struck the northeast part of the country.
The Asia North Area of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints reported that all full-time missionaries and members of the Church are safe and accounted for.
The Asia North Area of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints reported that all full-time missionaries of the Church are safe and accounted for and that leaders of the Church are still working to account for the safety of all members in the area.
Church leaders were assessing damage to buildings and property and remained concerned about their neighbors and friends.
The Asia North Area Presidency — Elder Takashi Wada, president, and counselors Elder John A. McCune and Elder J. Kimo Esplin, all General Authority Seventies — issued the following statement on Jan. 2 in Japanese on the Church’s Japan Newsroom site and in English on the Church’s Micronesia Newsroom site:
“We are deeply saddened by the earthquakes yesterday, Jan. 1, in Ishikawa Prefecture and the subsequent tsunami and fires. For their safety, members and those in the communities of the Hokuriku area are encouraged to remain on alert for the next several days, as aftershocks may continue throughout the week, and beyond.
“We invite all Church members and our friends to join in prayers for the safety of the people in the area, as well as the first responders and volunteers who are working to assist in the aftermath of the earthquake. For those desiring to help, it is recommended that such persons begin by donating to the Church humanitarian funds, rather than sending items directly to units in the Kanazawa Stake. Other opportunities to serve will be updated in the near future.”
Japanese public broadcaster NHK TV said the New Year’s Day quakes were so powerful they were felt on the other side of the country in Tokyo.
The record 9.0-magnitude earthquake and tsunami in March 2011 prompted a worldwide response, including humanitarian relief efforts, supplies and service from the Church.
Editor’s note: This was originally published on Jan. 1, 2024, at 8:27 p.m. and has been updated. A previous version of this story indicated that all members have been accounted for. The Asia North Area has since clarified that some remain to be contacted.
