The devastating New Year’s Day earthquake in Japan that killed more than 200 people not only caused destruction on the Noto Peninsula on Honshū Island, but also raised the seabed there, causing the coastline to shift.
Before and after satellite images showed striking changes on the coast of the Noto Peninsula after the magnitude 7.5 earthquake on the afternoon of January 1. The images show that the tremors have lifted the land, causing the coastline to shift as much as 250 meters in some places. Locals who were fishing at the time of the earthquake reported that the entire coastline swayed during the tremors.
Earthquake created new beaches
Edited satellite photos shared by Nahel Belgherze on X (formerly Twitter) show coastal areas where the seabed has risen above water level, creating new beaches. They show the significant changes to the coastline in some places after the earthquake and resulting tsunami subsided.
The coastline shifted seaward in many places
The Japan Space Agency’s “Advanced Land Observing Satellite-2” (ALOS-2 for short) also recorded the coastal rise caused by the earthquake. Comparisons of photos taken in June 2023 and New Year’s Day respectively will impressively show how the coastline has shifted seaward in several areas, including Nafune Port, Wajima City and Minazuki Bay, a statement from the Japan Geoinformation Agency said.
Dozens of people were still missing on Wednesday after severe tremors measuring 7.5 on the Richter scale and dozens of aftershocks. Nearly another 3,500 people were still cut off from the outside world, and nearly 30,000 Japanese were placed in emergency shelters. In addition, almost 60,000 households still had no running water and more than 15,000 households had no electricity.
Earthquakes in the Noto region are increasing
Japan is rocked by hundreds of earthquakes every year. Most leave no damage, which is partly due to the strict building regulations that have been in place for decades. Over the past five years, earthquakes have increased in strength and frequency, especially in the Noto region.
Source: Krone

I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.