Japan Earthquake: On New Year's Day, a series of earthquakes that damaged homes and started large destruction in central Japan claimed the lives of at least thirty people. News footage revealed the extent of the destruction caused by the 155 earthquakes, including submerged vessels at a port, collapsed structures, innumerable burned-out houses, and residents without power throughout the bitterly cold evening hours.

Social media footage from one of the 7.6-magnitude earthquakes showed road signs and display boards at train stations trembling. In one video, a man can be seen attempting to enter the metro station before the earthquake causes him to stop in terror. A frightful atmosphere is created as the top display screen begins to swing like a pendulum. 

Coastal inhabitants are advised not to return home as devastating waves may still occur, even though Japan has lowered its highest level of tsunami threat. The most heavily affected area is located on the somewhat isolated Noto peninsula, and thousands of army, police, and firefighters from throughout the nation have been sent there. Roughly damaged and obstructed roads have hampered rescue attempts, while runway faults have caused one of the area's airports to close.