A series of catastrophic earthquakes, culminating in a 7.6 magnitude tremor, has struck the heart of Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan, unleashing widespread destruction and claiming the lives of 94 individuals. With over 200 individuals unaccounted for, concerns mount over escalating damages amidst ongoing search and rescue operations.
As of the latest update on Friday afternoon, the city of Wajima and Suzu in Ishikawa Prefecture have reported 222 missing individuals, primarily comprising elderly residents. Mayor Shigeru Sakaguchi confirmed that over 100 people are believed to be trapped beneath collapsed structures in Wajima, making rescue efforts exceptionally challenging due to road closures and frequent landslides.
A shocking revelation by the University of Tokyo’s Earthquake Research Institute detailed a coastline shift of approximately 250 meters near the Kaiso fishing port in Wajima, underscoring the immense force and geographical upheaval caused by the tremors.
The frigid weather conditions in the affected areas have compounded the plight of survivors. In response, the National Police Agency bolstered its disaster response team to 1,100 members, and the deployment of Self-Defense Forces personnel has been increased to 5,000, intensifying efforts to search for survivors and provide aid.
Isolated communities across the Noto region, with severed roads and disrupted infrastructure, leave 830 people stranded in 32 districts. Power outages affecting 30,000 households and water supply disruptions impacting 80,000 households compound the hardships faced by residents.
Evacuation centers accommodating 33,000 individuals are grappling with sanitation challenges, amplifying concerns about the well-being of those seeking shelter.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida urged immediate action to ensure hygienic conditions in evacuation centers, prioritize the health of affected residents, expedite road repairs, and initiate preparations for temporary housing. Additionally, a financial package of 4.74 billion yen was allocated to facilitate rapid support for victims without delays, demonstrating the government’s commitment to swift relief efforts.
The quake, centered in the Noto region, struck with devastating force, registering a maximum intensity of 7 and wreaking havoc across the prefecture.
As rescue operations persist and the magnitude of the devastation becomes clearer, the nation stands united in support of the affected communities, emphasizing solidarity and expedited aid to mitigate the deepening crisis.
