Earthquake in Japan claims at least 62 lives, rescuers search for survivors

(Patria) - Rescuers in western Japan continue to search through rubble today, looking for survivors after strong earthquakes killed 62 people.

It is believed that dozens of people are trapped under collapsed buildings.

The Ishikawa Prefecture and surrounding areas were shaken this morning by an aftershock measuring 4.9 – one of dozens of aftershocks that followed a shallow 7.6 magnitude earthquake on Monday with its epicenter in Noto, Ishikawa Prefecture, about 300 kilometers from Tokyo.

Experts say the first 72 hours are particularly critical in the search for survivors, as the chances of survival significantly decrease after three days.

- More than 40 hours have passed. This is a race against time, and I feel we are at a critical juncture. We have received reports that many people are still waiting for rescue under collapsed buildings – Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida told reporters.

Of the fatalities, 29 were recorded in Wajima, while 22 people died in the city of Suzu, according to Ishikawa Prefecture authorities.

This is Peli ji, Suiguan Town, Zhuzhou City, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. An elderly person was worried about driving from Kanazawa to the disaster area yesterday, disregarding the wishes of his family. The video he recorded showed a tragic scene beyond imagination. pic.twitter.com/psD2YlanCE

— CN Gbear (@CNAac010) January 3, 2024

11 fatalities were reported in other nearby towns, while two deaths are still awaiting official confirmation in Wajima, meaning the total number is likely to rise to 64 people.

The terrain around the town of Noto, located on a narrow peninsula, hinders access to some communities, while water and electricity supply, as well as mobile phone services, remain interrupted in some areas.

Aid officials are distributing water, blankets, food, and other necessities. Search dogs have joined the military and firefighters in attempting to find and rescue dozens of people believed to be trapped under the rubble, although the exact number is unknown.

Weather forecasts warn of heavy rainfall in Ishikawa, raising concerns about landslides and further damage to partially collapsed houses.

Temperatures are expected to drop to around four degrees Celsius overnight.

Ishikawa Prefecture Governor Hiroshi Hase urged everyone to use masks, antiseptics, and soaps to protect themselves from the spread of infectious diseases while evacuated together in shelters.