Population Declines of 10% Recorded in Cities Following Noto Earthquake
The population in Wajima and Suzu fell by 10% following the Noto earthquake on January 1, 2024. This decline illustrates the earthquake’s significant impact on demographics in Ishikawa Prefecture. Other municipalities also reported notable population decreases, indicating widespread effects across the region.
Ishikawa Prefecture reported a 10% decrease in population in the cities of Wajima and Suzu one year after the Noto Peninsula earthquake, which occurred on January 1, 2024. Wajima saw a population drop of 2,192, resulting in a total decline of 10%, while Suzu’s population declined by 1,198, reflecting a 10.2% decrease. In the year preceding the earthquake, population changes in these cities were notably less severe, with declines of approximately 3%.
Other municipalities in the Noto Peninsula also experienced significant population reductions post-earthquake. Anamizu town’s population fell by 438, accounting for a 6% decline, while Noto town saw a decrease of 850, or 6%. Additionally, Shika town reported a drop of 661, approximately 3.8%, and Nanao city experienced a similar decline of 1,777, equivalent to 3.8%. These figures illustrate the widespread demographic impacts of the disaster in the region.
The Noto Peninsula earthquake struck Ishikawa Prefecture early in 2024, leading to substantial population declines in the affected areas. The earthquake’s immediate effects were devastating, displacing residents and disrupting daily life. As a result, local municipalities have been grappling with the long-term challenges of demographic change and recovery efforts, which are reflected in the significant population shifts recorded within the year following the disaster.
In summary, the Noto Peninsula earthquake resulted in notable population declines in key communities of Ishikawa Prefecture, particularly in Wajima and Suzu, which experienced losses of over 10%. Other affected areas such as Anamizu and Noto town also reported substantial reductions, indicating a broader trend of demographic change associated with disaster recovery. These population changes highlight the need for strategic planning and support for the impacted regions moving forward.
Original Source: www.japantimes.co.jp
