The death toll from the earthquake in Japan climbs to 62, with rescue efforts hindered by challenging weather conditions.
Japanese rescue teams urgently worked to locate survivors on Wednesday, with authorities cautioning about the risk of landslides due to heavy rainfall following a potent earthquake that claimed the lives of at least 62 individuals.
Rescue efforts faced challenges from aftershocks and inclement weather as the death toll from the powerful earthquake in Japan was anticipated to rise. Over 31,800 people sought refuge in shelters, and at least 200 buildings had collapsed, with expectations of the number increasing, according to government reports.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, addressing the emergency task force meeting on Wednesday, acknowledged the urgency of the situation, with numerous individuals requiring rescue and waiting for assistance. The deployment of military personnel for rescue missions was doubled, and additional rescue dogs were dispatched.
The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a heavy rain warning in the region, heightening the risk of landslides until Wednesday evening. A town in the Suzu area reported severe devastation, with nearly 90% of houses either completely or almost entirely destroyed, according to the municipal mayor.
Ishikawa prefecture faced ongoing challenges, with around 32,800 households still without power, and numerous cities experiencing water shortages. Blocked or damaged roads hindered the delivery of food and emergency supplies to affected communities.
Sheltering at an evacuation center, Yuko Okuda expressed concerns about the lack of lifelines, cold weather, and insufficient food, especially for her son with allergies. Despite the quake's impact on transportation, Shinkansen bullet trains and highways resumed operations, bringing relief to thousands stranded for nearly 24 hours.
The earthquake, measured at magnitude 7.6 by the Japan Meteorological Agency, triggered a major tsunami warning. Over 400 subsequent aftershocks were recorded, with waves reaching at least 1.2 meters in Wajima and smaller tsunamis reported elsewhere.
Japan, accustomed to frequent earthquakes, maintains strict building codes; however, the Noto region has experienced escalating seismic activity in recent years. The nation continues to grapple with the memory of the devastating 2011 earthquake and tsunami, which led to a major nuclear disaster at the Fukushima plant.
Although minor damage occurred at some nuclear power plants along the Sea of Japan shoreline, operators assured the public that there was no environmental risk or threat to the safety of the nuclear facilities.
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