Ishikawa Prefecture (石川県) — Earthquake Risk & History
Chubu region · Based on HERP official data
Ishikawa was struck by the M7.6 Noto Peninsula Earthquake on New Year's Day 2024, killing over 240 people. Noto Peninsula's dense active fault cluster drove the disaster, which was compounded by heavy rainfall and secondary damage in September 2024. Aftershock activity continues.
Fault Lines & Seismic Characteristics
Active Faults & Trenches
- Noto Peninsula Coastal Fault
- Saigawa Fault
Seismic Characteristics
Multiple active faults are clustered along the Noto Peninsula coast. The 2024 M7.6 earthquake involved simultaneous rupture of several faults along the western Noto coast. Research suggests deep groundwater movement primed the fault system. The risk of continued aftershocks and additional fault activity remains.
Earthquake History
- M7.6
2024
Noto Peninsula Earthquake — Intensity 7 in Shika Town; major tsunami warning issued; 240+ dead; 20,000+ households without water
📖 Wikipedia - M6.5
2023
Oku-Noto earthquake — Intensity 6+; identified retrospectively as a foreshock of the 2024 disaster
📖 Wikipedia - M6.9
※ Showing M6.5+ or Intensity 5+ events. Source: JMA database.
Future Probability — HERP Official Assessment
30-Year Probability (Official Figure)
Earthquake Research Committee assessment — risk evaluation for Noto is being revised following 2024. Aftershocks continue; always check the latest JMA earthquake information when visiting Noto Peninsula.
Traveler Safety Information
Finding Evacuation Shelters
- ✅ Search "避難所" (hinanjo) on Google Maps to find the nearest shelter from your current location
- ✅ Install NHK World or Safety tips (Japan Tourism Agency app) — both send English earthquake alerts
- ✅ Ishikawa Prefecture official disaster prevention page (Japanese) — includes shelter maps
Basic Action Rules
- ✅ At check-in, locate emergency exits and escape routes
- ✅ On strong shaking: protect your head, open a door to secure an exit, do not use elevators
- ✅ Near coasts or rivers: move to high ground immediately — do not wait for a tsunami warning
- ✅ Emergency numbers: Police 110 · Ambulance/Fire 119
- ✅ Contact your embassy in Tokyo for emergency consular assistance
Research & Official Sources AI summary
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Why earthquake activity surged on the Noto Peninsula
Seismic activity increased dramatically on Noto from 2020. Research suggests deep groundwater movement increased pressure on fault planes, triggering the surge. The 2024 M7.6 was the culmination of this sequence.
Source: 교토대학 방재연구소 (2024) -
Travel safety in Kanazawa and Ishikawa after the 2024 earthquake
Wajima and Suzu on the Noto Peninsula suffered severe damage, but Kanazawa City and Kenroku-en experienced only minor impact and have been largely operational since mid-2024. Northern Noto (Wajima, Suzu) roads are still being repaired — check the Ishikawa Prefecture official site for current access conditions before visiting.
Source: 이시카와현 관광교류국 (2024) -
Ongoing aftershocks and visitor precautions for Noto Peninsula
Aftershocks continue following the January 2024 earthquake. Check JMA real-time earthquake information before visiting. In coastal areas, identify tsunami evacuation routes in advance. Visiting Noto for 'recovery tourism' (support spending) is also encouraged to help rebuild the local economy.
🔗 이시카와현 방재과·JMA (2024)
Related Guides
Seismic characteristics and research summaries on this page are AI-generated from publicly available data by JMA, Cabinet Office, and HERP. Historical earthquake data (year, magnitude, damage) is based on official records, but key figures should always be cross-checked with the latest official sources. This page does not predict future earthquakes.