Death toll from earthquake in Japan rises: Dozens bodies found under rubble
Illustrative photo (Getty Images)
The death toll from a powerful earthquake in Japan that occurred on New Year's Day in the central part of the country has risen to 48 people. Bodies of the deceased and injured continue to be found under the rubble, according to Kyodo.
"At least 48 people were killed in the powerful earthquake that struck the Noto Peninsula and surrounding areas in central Japan on New Year's Day," the news outtet reports.
On Tuesday, reports were received about new areas of destruction where rescue services promptly headed.
"The magnitude-7.6 quake caused extensive structural damage and fires in the city of Wajima in Ishikawa Prefecture. But the full extent of damage remains unknown, with rubble and severed roads hampering rescue operations," the report said.
As the municipal authorities pointed out, seven residents of Wajima died in the hospital, and another 14 were trapped under the rubble. There are also reports of more than 200 houses catching fire.
The earthquake also caused significant damage in the prefectures of Niigata, Toyama, Fukui, and Gifu. Currently, it is known that about 1,000 Self-Defense Forces personnel are participating in rescue operations.
Complicated transportation
Significant difficulties have also arisen in the country's transportation sector. The Japanese government reports complicated traffic towards the city of Noto (the epicenter of the earthquake).
According to West Japan Railway Co., about 1,400 passengers of a high-speed train were stranded for approximately 11 hours. It is mentioned that the company halted the movement of four trains on the line to inspect the tracks and other facilities after the earthquake.
Preceding events
According to Sky News, over 100 earthquakes were recorded in Japan on January 1. The meteorological agency in Tokyo counted over a hundred underground shocks ranging from 2.9 to 7.6 magnitude on the island.
It became known overnight that more than 50 underground shocks occurred after the earthquake. Tens of thousands of Japanese citizens were evacuated.
U.S. President Joe Biden has said that his country is ready to assist those affected by the earthquake in Japan.
