6-1-2024 (TOKYO) The death toll from a devastating earthquake that struck central Japan on New Year’s Day has risen to 100, according to local authorities. The magnitude-7.6 quake caused widespread destruction and fires in Ishikawa prefecture, particularly impacting the city of Wajima. Rescue efforts are underway, with approximately 100 locations identified where individuals are believed to be trapped under collapsed buildings, awaiting rescue.
As of Saturday morning, there are still 211 people unaccounted for in the prefecture. Rescue teams are working tirelessly to free survivors from the rubble, but their efforts are hindered by the forecast of rain until Sunday, followed by snowfall in the region.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, speaking at a meeting of the disaster response headquarters, urged officials to prioritize the rescue operations and save as many lives as possible. The situation remains challenging as authorities face difficulties in delivering relief supplies due to the extensive damage to roads in Ishikawa. Currently, more than 31,000 people are evacuated and staying in 357 shelters.
The limited or lack of access to running water in some shelters has led to hygiene and mental health issues among the affected individuals. To alleviate the housing crisis, the Ishikawa prefectural government plans to construct temporary houses for those affected. However, construction work is not expected to commence until Friday.
The region continues to experience aftershocks, with a magnitude-5.3 earthquake, measuring upper 5 on Japan’s seismic intensity scale of 7, occurring on Saturday morning.
