Abstract: Due to the interactions among risk sources, risk exposures and mitigation forces, the effects of disasters exhibit highly complex, uncertain and systematic characteristics, and it is difficult for traditional theories to systematically analyze their processes and mechanisms of catastrophe. Based on the "risk source-risk exposure-mitigation force" urban safety theory, this study uses the case of the M7.5 Noto Peninsula, Japan earthquake, to thoroughly analyze the formation process and impact mechanisms of earthquake disasters. It reveals the cascading effects of multiple disasters triggered by earthquakes, highlighting issues of vulnerability and insufficient resilience. The research finds that the high magnitude, shallow focal depth, numerous aftershocks, and complex geological features contributed to severe secondary disasters. Aging buildings were extremely vulnerable during the earthquake, which led to many casualties. The aging population exacerbated disaster impacts, underscoring the need to improve senior citizens' ability to self-rescue and the seismic resistance of senior housing. Rescue efforts and resource allocation were significantly impacted by the destruction of the communication and transportation infrastructure. Despite Japan's relatively advanced emergency response system, shortcomings are still noticeable in times of extreme catastrophe. Future research should enhance infrastructure redundancy and disaster resilience, optimize the layout of urban functional zones, and incorporate multi-hazard defenses into urban planning. Further critical steps forward include strengthening emergency response systems, promoting multi-agency coordination, improving rescue effectiveness, and hastening post-disaster recovery.