World

Japan earthquake death toll rises to 48; Rescuers desperate to save lives

Published: 14:26, 2 January 2024

At least 48 people were killed after a powerful earthquake hit Japan on New Year's Day. The aftermath of the powerful earthquake has presented formidable challenges to rescue teams striving to access remote areas where buildings lay in ruins, roads have been destroyed, and tens of thousands of households endure power outages.

Striking in the midst of Monday afternoon, the earthquake, initially registering a magnitude of 7.6, compelled inhabitants in coastal regions to seek refuge on higher ground as tsunami waves battered Japan's western coast. The impact was severe, leading to the engulfment of vehicles and homes by the sea.
Responding to the crisis, numerous army personnel, firefighters, and law enforcement officers from various parts of the country have been mobilized to focus on the most affected zone in the Noto peninsula within Ishikawa prefecture. However, the effectiveness of the rescue endeavors has been impeded by severely damaged roads and obstructed passages, complicating efforts to fully assess the extent of the calamity.
The disruption caused by the earthquake has prompted the suspension of numerous transportation services, including rail routes, ferry operations, and flights to the area. Noto airport, in particular, has ceased operations due to substantial damage to its runway, terminal, and access routes. This closure has left approximately 500 individuals stranded within their vehicles in the airport's parking lot, according to reports from public broadcaster NHK.
Premier Fumio Kishida, speaking during an emergency disaster meeting on Tuesday, emphasized the urg
ency of the situation, referring to the search and rescue operations for those affected by the earthquake as a race against time.
As of the latest reports from Ishikawa authorities, 48 fatalities have been confirmed as a result of the earthquake. Wajima city, situated near the epicenter of the quake, has borne the brunt of the devastation, accounting for half of the reported fatalities. The gravity of the situation continues to unfold as rescue teams persist in their efforts to provide aid and support to affected communities.