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January 1, 2024: The earth trembles on the west coast of Japan. Eyewitnesses film the destruction, like here in the city of Kanazawa. Aftershocks occur later.

And now, about a month after the violent earthquake? Many of the people affected cannot return to their houses and apartments. Old houses in particular, which are less earthquake-proof, were badly damaged. 14,000 people still live in emergency accommodation.

Fumio Hirano, resident:


»No one can think of anything other than today. Maybe in a month we can start thinking about tomorrow, and in three months we can start thinking about next week."

According to Ishikawa Prefecture, at least 49,000 residential buildings have been completely or partially destroyed and 40,000 households are without running water. This also means that cooking, going to the toilet, showering and washing becomes a challenge.

Chisa Terashita, resident:


»Since the earthquake there has been no water, not even now. It was said on TV that the water would come back at the end of February. That's the only information we have. All we can do is wait for it, but it could take until March.”

The 34-year-old saves water wherever she can. It's not that easy for the mother of three. The water pipes should be repaired in most communities by the end of March, but in remote areas not until after April. Until then, residents can fill up their canisters at water tanks. Soldiers have set up makeshift public baths and residents can use laundry carts to do their laundry.

Chisa Terashita, resident

:


»We get used to this life, it becomes normal. We have no choice but to get through it.”

And there is also support for the children: after school, many of them only have to go to the evacuation center while their parents work or take care of rebuilding their home. In five schools, the non-profit organization “Katariba” offers a room in which they can play or simply hang out. This is important right now.

Yoshiki Itashiki, volunteer:


»Children often have difficulty verbalizing the stress they are feeling. This stress can manifest itself in the form of sleep problems or aggression.«

17 billion yen, the equivalent of around 106 million euros, have so far been donated to Ishikawa Prefecture, which was badly affected by the earthquake. A committee now decides on distribution to those affected. Most of the electricity has been restored. But reconstruction after the earthquake is likely to take a few more months.