Japan: earthquake death toll increases (video)

Thirty people were killed and dozens injured in a powerful earthquake in Japan. The tsunami danger level has dropped, but one hundred thousand Japanese spent last night in evacuation centers – in gyms and schools. Aftershocks continue.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said on January 2 that there were “numerous casualties.” He called rescuing survivors “a race against time,” writes DW. The greatest destruction occurred in the city of Wajima in Ishikawa Prefecture: more than 100 houses there burned down and many more collapsed. Even after 13 hours, it was not possible to completely extinguish the fires that broke out. According to NHK television, eight people were killed in the city and at least seven were seriously injured. Search and rescue operations continue in the region.

震度6強の揺れを観測した石川県輪島市を撮影したヘリコプターの映像です

火災発生から12時間以上が経過したいまも消火活動が続いていますhttps://t.co/AGXKfMpmHI#nhk_video pic.twitter.com/NXiJJTV9te

— NHKニュース (@nhk_news) January 1, 2024

Earthquake happened On January 1st in central Japan, its magnitude was 7.6. The epicenter was on the Noto Peninsula, but in the vicinity of the Japanese capital Tokyo, at a distance of 400 km, vibrations of houses were felt. The tremors led to landslides and road pavement ruptures, and trees were toppled. Some prefectures issued tsunami warnings of up to 5 meters, but they were later lifted, but residents are being urged to exercise caution.

Aftershocks continued on Tuesday morning. According to the Japan Meteorological Administration, 155 tremors have been recorded from Monday to now. Meteorologists warn that further strong earthquakes could occur over the course of the week, especially in the next two to three days.

The scale of the tragedy will be assessed when rescuers reach the affected areas. Broadcaster NHK reported that doctors, in particular, could not get to the hospital in the disaster-stricken city of Suzu in Ishikawa Prefecture. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said that the main roads to the worst-hit areas were heavily damaged by the disaster, hampering the military rescue operation:

“The self-defense forces will face many difficulties to reach the disaster-stricken areas as routes have been cut off, but people trapped in buildings must be rescued as soon as possible before the buildings collapse.”

On Tuesday night, the United States and Britain offered their assistance to Tokyo in combating the consequences of the disaster. US President Joe Biden said in a statement: quotes Air Force:

“My administration is in contact with Japanese officials, and the United States stands ready to provide any assistance needed to the Japanese people. Close allies, the United States and Japan share deep bonds of friendship. Our thoughts are with the Japanese people at this difficult time.”

According to the office of British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, London is monitoring developments and is ready to support Japan. Sunak said in a statement:

“Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is a great friend of Great Britain. My thoughts are with everyone affected by the earthquakes in Japan, which caused so much damage.”

A total of 155 earthquakes of varying magnitude have struck Japan since Monday morning, including the main aftershock of magnitude 7.6, the Japan Meteorological Agency said. The majority exceeded magnitude 3, and although their strength is gradually decreasing, six more fairly powerful tremors were recorded on Tuesday morning. According to experts, aftershocks may continue throughout this week.

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