Japan Earthquake: Death Toll Reached to 55
A powerful earthquake struck Japan on New Year's Day, causing widespread destruction and claiming the lives of at least 55 people. Rescue teams are grappling with freezing temperatures as they work tirelessly to reach coastal areas where numerous individuals are feared trapped under the debris of potentially thousands of destroyed homes.
The quake, with a preliminary magnitude of 7.6, hit on Monday afternoon, triggering tsunami waves that swept cars and houses into the water, particularly in western coastal areas. The town of Suzu, near the quake's epicenter, is reported to have suffered catastrophic damage, with Mayor Masuhiro Izumiya stating that up to 90% of houses may have been destroyed.
"The situation is catastrophic," Mayor Izumiya expressed, highlighting the gravity of the disaster.
Rescue efforts are being hindered by the harsh weather conditions, with freezing temperatures making it challenging for teams to access affected areas. Over 200 tremors have been recorded since the initial quake, raising concerns that more strong shocks could follow in the coming days.
Tragically, a Coast Guard aircraft en route to deliver aid to the affected region collided with a commercial airplane at Tokyo’s Haneda airport on Tuesday, resulting in the loss of five Coast Guard members. Fortunately, all 379 individuals on board the Japan Airlines flight escaped unharmed.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida acknowledged the extent of the damage, stating that the government has deployed emergency rescue teams, including the Self-Defence Forces, police, and fire departments. However, reaching the northern tip of the Noto peninsula, where extensive damage has been reported, remains a significant challenge.
Japan, located on the seismically active "Ring of Fire," experiences a substantial number of earthquakes annually. The recent quake has disrupted many rail services and flights in the affected area, leaving over 500 people stranded at Noto's airport due to runway and terminal damage.
Authorities have confirmed 55 deaths in Ishikawa prefecture, making it Japan's deadliest earthquake since 2016. The injured are being treated, and rescue teams are working tirelessly to extract individuals from collapsed buildings.
Residents affected by the disaster described the quake as unprecedented, causing furniture to fly and homes to crumble. Despite the challenging circumstances, global leaders, including Pope Francis and U.S. President Joe Biden, have expressed condolences and offered assistance to Japan.
The earthquake also poses challenges for Japan's nuclear industry, coming at a time when the country has recently lifted operational bans on some nuclear plants. While no irregularities were found at the active reactors, power outages and oil leaks were reported at Hokuriku Electric's Shika plant.
As the nation grapples with the aftermath of this calamity, rescue efforts and humanitarian aid continue, and the global community stands in solidarity with Japan during this difficult time.
