Engineering Geological Challenges Following the 2024 Noto Earthquake, Japan

The 2024 Noto Peninsula (Noto-Hanto) earthquake significantly impacted infrastructure and communities in Central Japan, unveiling critical engineering geological challenges. To our knowledge, this paper presents the first systematic field survey conducted eight months after the mainshock, focusing on the post-disaster phenomenon and their recovery states. Through ground visits, satellite imagery analyses, and high-resolution DEM differencing, we identified persistent deep-seated gravitational slope deformation (DGSD) undermining tunnel stability, land uplift, structural collapses from soil liquefaction, and several landslides, with rural areas experiencing severe impacts. Our observations reported that the crustal uplift has permanently altered hydrological regimes and DGSD remains active beneath major tunnels, inducing tunnels spalling. Slope failures have progressed under cumulative rainfall loading, and tunnel linings show evolving structural distress linked to both DGSD and residual seismic damage. Lateral spreading, ground upheaval, ground settlement, sinking of utility poles, and the presence of sand ejecta are found as the major indicators of liquefaction. The study also evaluates the efficacy of current mitigation and restoration efforts. The Ishikawa`s structured, community‐focused model demonstrates a clear path toward more efficient, resilient recovery, despite lingering delays in damage repair work. This study further emphasizes the significance of proactive, long-term disaster risk reduction to minimize future earthquake-related impacts.