Five days after a powerful earthquake rocked central Japan, the death toll has soared to at least 110, with authorities expressing certainty that the count would climb further.
The massive 7.5-magnitude quake, striking the Ishikawa region on New Year’s Day, led to the loss of numerous lives, leaving 210 individuals still unaccounted for.
Rescue teams and locals diligently searched through debris over the weekend, shifting focus from finding survivors to recovering bodies and initiating the arduous cleanup process.
The adverse weather conditions, including an anticipated snowfall on Sunday, compounded the challenges faced by thousands of rescue workers. Roads suffered extensive damage, marred by gaping cracks and blocked by an estimated 1,000 landslides.
Despite efforts to locate survivors, the grim reality prevailed. Tragic incidents, like the rescue of two elderly women from their demolished homes on Thursday in Wajima, were rare, and hope for more such positive outcomes diminished.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida conveyed condolences and prayers for the departed souls in a statement on X (formerly Twitter), acknowledging the devastating loss. In response, Kishida urged swift repair of roads to facilitate aid delivery to cut-off areas during an emergency meeting with ministers.
“We sincerely pray for the repose of the souls of those who have passed away,” Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said.
The aftermath of the quake left around 23,800 households without electricity and over 66,400 without running water in the Ishikawa region. This impacted essential services, including hospitals and facilities for the elderly and disabled. Government shelters accommodated over 30,000 individuals as the affected region grappled with the aftermath.
Japan, accustomed to frequent earthquakes, implements stringent building regulations, but older structures remain susceptible. Memories of the catastrophic 2011 quake and tsunami, resulting in thousands of casualties and the Fukushima nuclear disaster, linger in the nation’s collective memory.