Post-Quake Deaths in Central Japan Expected to Climb as 200 Cases Await Review
The death toll from the New Year’s Day earthquake in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan, is likely to rise as over 200 additional fatalities await official recognition. Currently, more than 500 deaths have been reported, primarily caused by the earthquake’s aftermath, particularly among the elderly in evacuation centers. Families of recognized disaster-related deaths may claim substantial compensation, but processing delays are causing significant backlogs of applications.
The recent devastating earthquake in Ishikawa Prefecture, which struck on New Year’s Day 2024, has resulted in an anticipated increase in the fatality count, with an additional 200 deaths awaiting acknowledgment as earthquake-related. This follows a magnitude-7.6 quake that already caused over 500 deaths, primarily due to the aftermath and conditions in evacuation centers. Authorities are processing applications for recognition of these fatalities separately from the 230 individuals who died during the quake itself. Upon official recognition, bereaved families may receive monetary compensation as stipulated under disaster grant laws.
In Ishikawa, approximately 270 fatalities have been certified as post-quake deaths, with a notable 20 percent occurring three months or longer after the disaster. The elderly population, particularly those aged 70 and above, represents a significant portion of these victims. Analysis of the contributing factors to these deaths indicates that “distress after the earthquake and fear of aftershocks” was the predominant cause, affecting 89 individuals. Additionally, issues related to interrupted basic services and life in evacuation centers contributed to 53 and 37 cases, respectively.
Efforts in neighboring Niigata and Toyama prefectures have also resulted in a small number of reported post-disaster deaths. However, the processing of applications in Ishikawa remains sluggish, with municipalities managing to handle fewer than 20 cases monthly, leading to a considerable backlog, though urgent action is essential for the affected families seeking recognition and assistance.
On January 1, 2024, Ishikawa Prefecture in central Japan experienced a powerful earthquake measuring 7.6 on the Richter scale. This seismic event resulted in immediate fatalities and extensive damage, leading to a humanitarian crisis characterized by overcrowded evacuation centers and disrupted infrastructure. In light of these circumstances, authorities are now tracking a significant number of additional deaths that are linked to the post-earthquake environment, particularly among vulnerable populations such as the elderly. Relevant legislation provides financial assistance to bereaved families recognizing such fatalities as disaster-related, thus raising concerns about the timely processing of applications for this compensation.
The aftermath of the New Year earthquake in Ishikawa Prefecture highlights a tragic increase in the reported death toll, with over 200 cases pending recognition as quake-related. As many of these deaths stem from distress related to the quake’s impact, the need for swift processing of applications has become critical to ensure that affected families receive the assistance they are entitled to under disaster relief laws. The situation demands continued attention and support from authorities to address both the immediate needs of the survivors and the long-term ramifications of such disasters.
Original Source: english.kyodonews.net
