2024 Sea of Japan earthquake

In response to the devastating Sea of Japan Earthquake that occurred on January 1, 2024, KIF has taken immediate action by establishing a dedicated disaster relief fund. This initiative is a continuation of our unwavering commitment to relief efforts, a commitment that has been ongoing since 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake.

The earthquake's epicenter was 4.3 miles north-northwest of Suzu, situated on the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. The reverse-faulting shock reached a maximum JMA seismic intensity of Shindo 7 and a Modified Mercalli intensity of IX (Violent). The resultant shaking and tsunami wreaked havoc, causing extensive damage in the towns of Wajima, Suzu, and Noto on the Noto Peninsula. Tragically, Ishikawa reported 94 fatalities, 222 missing individuals, and over 500 injuries across multiple prefectures, marking it as the deadliest earthquake in Japan since the 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes.

The earthquake struck on New Year's Day, a public holiday, catching many at home and most establishments closed. Of the 94 reported fatalities, all occurred in Ishikawa Prefecture, with 55 in Wajima, 23 in Suzu, 6 in Anamizu, 5 in Nanao, 2 each in Noto and Shika, and 1 in Hakui.

As of January 3, the aftermath has left 31,800 people seeking refuge in shelters, with approximately 27,700 individuals housed in 336 evacuation centers in Ishikawa prefecture alone. Our commitment to supporting the affected areas and aiding those impacted by this tragedy remains resolute, and we urge continued support for the ongoing relief efforts.