Shocking news pummeled Japan this week: A deadly earthquake struck central Japan on New Year's Day, followed by a fatal plane crash at Tokyo's Haneda Airport the next day.
The magnitude-7.6 quake off the Noto Peninsula forced mass evacuations and triggered catastrophic fires that destroyed buildings and infrastructure. Meanwhile, new details are emerging about the collision of a Japan Airlines plane with a Japan Coast Guard aircraft that was carrying relief supplies for the quake. Here is a selection of stories on the latest developments.
Japan on alert for more earthquakes as water causes 'slippery' faults
The New Year's quake triggered a tsunami that hit Ishikawa prefecture and elsewhere, in addition to toppling buildings and sparking fires. It was the latest in a cluster of temblors that have hit the Noto Peninsula since late 2020, with experts suspecting deep groundwater as a factor and warning that more could follow. Read more.
Quake underscores picturesque old neighborhoods' fire risk
The quake was followed that evening by a fire in the city of Wajima that spread to roughly 200 buildings and lasted into the morning. This has brought renewed attention to the risk of such catastrophic fires in areas packed with old wooden buildings. Read more.
In Pictures: Earthquake shatters New Year's Day calm
The quake, one of the most powerful to hit Japan in years, interrupted holiday gatherings and wrought destruction along the Sea of Japan coast. Take a look at some of the initial photos.
U.S. military to work with Japan on earthquake relief
The U.S. has approached Japan with an offer to work with the country's Self-Defense Forces for relief efforts targeting quake-affected areas. Possibilities for cooperation include transporting relief supplies and displaced people. Read more.
Japan Airlines plane burns up at Tokyo airport after collision
A Japan Airlines plane collided with a Japan Coast Guard aircraft while landing at Tokyo's Haneda Airport on Tuesday. All of the nearly 400 passengers and crew members made it out of the JAL aircraft. Read more.
Tokyo's deadly runway crash: What we know about the accident
The collision killed five of the six crew members aboard the Japan Coast Guard craft and injured more than a dozen on the Japan Airlines jumbo jet. How did the two planes collide, and what will the investigation focus on? Read more.
90-second drills helped JAL crew lead passengers out of flaming jet
Ninety seconds -- that's the amount of time Japan Airlines crew members are given in passenger evacuation training. But the drills paid off for the 12 crew members who led all 367 passengers to safety. Read more.
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