Death toll from earthquakes in Japan rises to 238
The number of people who lost their lives in the earthquakes that struck Ishikawa Prefecture in western Japan and the coast of the Noto Peninsula in the region has risen to 238.
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In a statement issued by the Ishikawa Prefectural Government in Japan, it was reported that the number of people who died in the numerous earthquakes that occurred in the first week of January has risen to 238.
The statement shared information that approximately 15 thousand people are still staying in evacuation centers, and search efforts are continuing for 19 people who remain missing.
Ishikawa Governor Hase Hirose stated in his announcement that reconstruction projects across the prefecture would be encouraged, adding, "We must move forward so that the memories of those we lost live on."
Governor Hase apologized to the public for the problems encountered in moving those evacuated after the earthquake to accommodation facilities, including hotels, in the subsequent period.
Meanwhile, the central government announced that it would provide support of 6 million yen (41 thousand dollars) per household for homes where the age of the residents exceeds a certain level as part of the reconstruction projects.
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), numerous earthquakes ranging in magnitude from 5 to 7 occurred on the Noto Peninsula and off the coast of Ishikawa between January 1 and 5.