Ishikawa Prefecture reported a 10% population decline in Wajima and Suzu following the Noto Peninsula earthquake on January 1, 2024. Both cities experienced losses of 2,192 and 1,198 residents, respectively. Other affected municipalities also reported population decreases, demonstrating the widespread impact of the disaster across the region.
Recent data from Ishikawa Prefecture indicates a significant population decline in the cities of Wajima and Suzu, both of which were severely affected by the Noto Peninsula earthquake that occurred on January 1, 2024. Over the past year, Wajima’s population has decreased by 2,192 residents, reflecting a 10% decline, while Suzu experienced a similar drop of 1,198 residents, marking a 10.2% reduction.
In the year preceding the earthquake, these cities recorded much lower declines, with Wajima losing approximately 900 residents and Suzu around 371, both representing a modest 3% decrease in population. Other towns on the Noto Peninsula also saw demographic changes; Anamizu reported a decline of 438 residents (6%), Noto experienced an 850 resident decrease (6%), and Shika’s population dropped by 661 (3.8%). The city of Nanao faced a similar decline, losing 1,777 residents, which amounts to a 3.8% decrease.
The Noto Peninsula earthquake, which struck on New Year’s Day 2024, has had lasting consequences on the surrounding communities, particularly in the cities of Wajima and Suzu. These areas were among the hardest hit, leading to substantial population losses as residents likely relocated following the disaster. The statistical data highlights the growing trend of depopulation in this region as a direct consequence of the earthquake’s devastation.
The earthquake on January 1, 2024, has resulted in a marked population decline in Wajima and Suzu, with losses reaching approximately 10%. This trend is echoed in several other municipalities on the Noto Peninsula, which collectively face significant demographic challenges. These developments signal a need for both immediate response and long-term recovery planning to address the ongoing impacts of such natural disasters on local populations.
Original Source: www.japantimes.co.jp
