Catastrophic earthquake in Japan leaves 126 dead, hundreds missing in Ishikawa

A major earthquake that rocked Japan’s Ishikawa region on new year’s day on Monday has resulted in a tragic death toll of 126 as of Saturday, with rescue efforts still underway. The 7.5 magnitude quake has left 210 people missing, and rescuers are battling harsh winter conditions, including forecasts of rain, snow, and falling temperatures, to find survivors amidst the widespread destruction.

The earthquake has caused severe damage to infrastructure, with roads ripped apart by enormous cracks, hindering the rescue teams’ efforts to reach those still trapped under debris. Despite these challenges, there have been miraculous stories of survival. More than 72 hours after the quake, on Thursday, two elderly women were rescued from the remains of their home in Wajima. Notably, one of them was found by a search dog named Jennifer, showcasing the crucial role of specially trained canines in such dire situations.

Defence Minister Minoru Kihara acknowledged the extraordinary efforts of the Self-Defence Forces and the role of Jennifer in the rescue operations. Around 30,000 households in the Ishikawa region are still without electricity, and over 89,800 homes in Ishikawa and neighboring regions lack water supply. Hundreds have been displaced, taking shelter in government facilities.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida expressed his condolences and called for an emergency meeting to expedite the repair of roads and provide aid to the affected areas. The Ishikawa governor, Hiroshi Hase, described the situation as “extremely severe”, with the restoration of running water expected to take a long time due to damaged water pipes.

This devastating earthquake in Japan’s Ishikawa region underscores the country’s vulnerability to natural disasters and the resilience of its people and emergency response systems in the face of adversity.