In a tragic turn of events, Japan is grappling with the aftermath of a series of potent earthquakes, the most severe being of magnitude 7.5. The death toll has distressingly climbed to 62, with many more reported seriously injured or missing, as per NHK World’s latest updates from the Ishikawa prefecture.
The epicenter, located on the Noto Peninsula in central Ishikawa, witnessed considerable destruction, particularly in Wajima and Suzu. The seismic activity, which triggered a string of 155 earthquakes in a single day, has left the nation in a state of high alert.
Amidst the chaos, rescue efforts have been hampered by relentless aftershocks and challenging weather conditions. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has issued warnings for heavy rainfall in the region, exacerbating concerns about potential landslides.
In a harrowing development, an aircraft laden with emergency supplies met with a catastrophic accident at Haneda airport, claiming the lives of five coastguard members. This incident has dealt a significant blow to the already strained rescue operations.
The situation in Suzu is particularly dire. The city’s mayor, Masuhiro Izumiya, revealed that nearly 90% of the town’s structures are either completely or almost destroyed. Japan, familiar with seismic disturbances, faces a grim reminder of the 2011 disaster that led to approximately 18,500 deaths or missing persons.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has emphasized the urgency of the situation, declaring it a “race against time.” An emergency task force meeting is scheduled to discuss further steps in the relief and rescue efforts.
Drone video shows the damage after a deadly 7.6 magnitude earthquake on Japan's western coast. At least 55 people were killed. pic.twitter.com/gbWveRVQ09
— AccuWeather (@accuweather) January 2, 2024
As Japan stands at this critical juncture, the world watches and hopes for the swift and safe recovery of those still trapped beneath the rubble. The resilience of the Japanese people, tested time and again by natural calamities, is once more put to the test in the face of this recent tragedy.
Read More… Japan Earthquake: 155 Quakes Strike in a Day, PM Confirms ‘Numerous Casualties