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1. When and where did the earthquake strike?

The 7.6 magnitudeÌýearthquakeÌýstruckÌýJapan's remote Noto peninsula on New Year's Day, toppling buildings and sparking a major fire.Ìý A major tsunami warming was issued for the Noto peninsula as a result of the coastal location of the earthquake.

It was the largestÌýearthquakeÌýthat the country has seen since the deadly 2011 quake that hit North EastÌýJapan. Sadly, the death toll reached more than 230.

2. Are earthquakes common in Japan?

Japan is prone to earthquakes due to the four tectonic plates that meet in the country. In 2011, Japan experienced a devastating earthquake resulting in the death of nearly 20,000 people. Tragically,Ìý most of the casualties were the result of devastating tsunami waves. The earthquake also triggered nuclear plant meltdowns in Fukushima.

Japan accounts for about 20% of the world's 6-magnitude-or-greater earthquakes. Each year, the country experiences nearly 2,000 earthquakes.

3. How have children and families in Japan been impacted by the earthquake?Ìý

Thousands of families lost their homes when the deadly earthquake struck. The quake toppled homes and sparked a major fire.Ìý

Some schools have been unable to reopen in the hardest-hit cities and towns, and authorities are still assessing structural damage following theÌýearthquakeÌýand aftershocks.Ìý

4. What are the challenges to the ongoing relief efforts?Ìý

Access to affected areas, including the northernmost part of the Noto Peninsula, has been hampered by destroyed roads and adverse weather conditions, including snow and rain.Ìý

5. How is »ÆÉ«ÊÓƵresponding to the needs of earthquake survivors in Japan?Ìý

»ÆÉ«ÊÓƵhas opened a child-friendly space at an evacuation center in Nanao City, Ishikawa Prefecture. The space gives displaced children a chance to run and play with each other after enduring days of uncertainty and distress following the massive quake and its multiple aftershocks.Ìý

"Children in the affected areas need food and shelter and basic support such as a safe place to play, learn, and connect with friends and loved ones. That is the most important part of mental health and psychosocial support," saidÌýMiyuki Akasaka, Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Technical Advisor for »ÆÉ«ÊÓƵinÌýJapan.

"In the affected areas, there is a lack of information about children due to the large number of elderly people. Therefore, not having adequate and appropriate child-centred emergency support at this stage may affect children's mental health and psychosocial well-being. »ÆÉ«ÊÓƵprovides children and their families with what they need, including setting up child-friendly Spaces, which are safe places for children to play and recover."

»ÆÉ«ÊÓƵhas also provided emergency children's kits, soft toys to children at the evacuation shelter in Nanao, and leaflets providing psychological first aid guidance.Ìý

6. How can I help survivors of the Japan earthquake?

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