Japan Races Against the Clock to Save Survivors of New Year's Day Earthquake.
On Tuesday, Japan faced challenges in gauging the complete impact of an earthquake hitting its western coast. The quake claimed the lives of at least eight individuals, causing destruction to buildings and roads while leaving large sections of homes without power in the freezing cold.
On Tuesday, Japan faced challenges in figuring out the complete impact of a powerful earthquake that hit its west coast. The quake, with an initial magnitude of 7.6, occurred on Monday afternoon, resulting in the tragic loss of at least eight lives. It caused significant damage to buildings and roads, leaving many homes without power in freezing temperatures.
The earthquake prompted residents in coastal areas to urgently move to higher ground as tsunami waves, reaching about 1 meter (3.3 feet), struck Japan's western seaboard.
Thousands of army personnel, firefighters, and police officers from all over the country have been sent to the most severely affected area in the relatively isolated Noto peninsula.
However, rescue operations are facing obstacles due to severely damaged and blocked roads. Additionally, one of the area's airports had to close because of cracks in the runway. Many rail services and flights to the region have also been halted.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, speaking during an emergency disaster meeting on Tuesday, emphasized that the search and rescue efforts for those affected by the earthquake are a race against time. Kishida mentioned the significant challenges in reaching the northern tip of the Noto peninsula due to destroyed roads. Helicopter surveys revealed numerous fires and widespread damage to buildings and infrastructure.
Public broadcaster NHK reported that the town of Wajima, near the epicenter of the earthquake, has seen eight confirmed deaths. In Suzu, close by, some doctors struggled to reach a hospital relying on a backup generator for power.