Japan earthquake: Death Toll Climbs to 64
The death toll from a powerful earthquake that struck Japan on New Year's Day rose to 64 today, as rescue efforts intensified amid challenging conditions. Authorities are working to bring aid to survivors facing freezing temperatures and heavy rain forecasted for the region later in the day.
The earthquake, with a preliminary magnitude of 7.6, struck the Noto Peninsula on Monday afternoon, causing widespread destruction by leveling houses and cutting off remote areas from much-needed assistance. Heavy rains predicted for Wednesday have raised concerns about potential landslides, further complicating ongoing rescue operations.
Severed roads, damaged infrastructure, and the remote location of the hardest-hit areas have posed significant challenges for rescue teams. Two days after the quake, the full extent of the damage and casualties remains unclear.
Authorities have confirmed 64 deaths so far, marking the earthquake as the deadliest in Japan since at least 2016. Over 33,000 people have evacuated their homes, with some areas lacking access to water or electricity and facing communication disruptions.
Mayors of the most affected cities held an emergency disaster meeting today, urging the government to swiftly clear roads and deliver aid. Masuhiro Izumiya, the mayor of Suzu, emphasized the urgency of providing food and water, stating, "Even those who narrowly escaped death can't survive without food and water."
Shigeru Sakaguchi, the mayor of Wajima city, expressed gratitude for government efforts but highlighted the challenge of insufficient aid. He stated that only 2,000 meals had been received for around 10,000 evacuees, and many areas lacked electricity and heating, leaving people in the cold.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida acknowledged the critical nature of the situation, describing it as a "battle against time" during a news conference. He mentioned the opening of a sea route for aid delivery and the use of larger trucks to reach remote areas.
Survivors, grappling with the aftermath, expressed concerns about the difficult road conditions and the extensive damage to infrastructure. Mitsuru Kida, a 74-year-old survivor in Wajima city, voiced worries about the time-consuming process of returning to normal life, stating, "This is the first time the roads have been damaged this badly."
Amid ongoing rescue efforts, smaller earthquakes continue to hit the Noto Peninsula, adding to the challenges faced by emergency responders. Firefighters were seen evacuating a partially collapsed building in Wajima as an earthquake warning alarm sounded.
