55 Dead in Earthquake

January 1st, 2024, New Year’s Day. While many witnessed vibrant firework displays and festive celebrations, welcoming the upcoming year, citizens of Japan witnessed the catastrophic striking of a fatal earthquake, killing more than 55 people. Masuhiro Izumiya, the mayor of the town of Suzu, the epicenter of the earthquake, described the devastating condition of the town; the overwhelming majority of houses had been destroyed, and “the situation is catastrophic.”