Death toll from earthquakes in Japan rises to 78
The number of people who lost their lives in the earthquakes that struck Ishikawa Prefecture in western Japan and the Noto Peninsula in the region has risen to 78.
AA
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), earthquakes ranging in magnitude from 5 to 7 occurred on the Noto Peninsula and off the coast of Ishikawa on January 1, 2, and 3.
Two more earthquakes, with magnitudes of 4.8 and 4.9, were recorded in the peninsula region today at 00:36 and 04:38 local time, respectively. It was reported that aftershocks are continuing.
THE FATE OF MORE THAN 50 PEOPLE IS UNKNOWN
The Ishikawa Prefectural Government announced that 78 people have lost their lives in the earthquakes in the region and that more than 300 injured people are receiving treatment across the region.
While partial damage was detected in 165 schools and facilities across the prefecture, it was announced that more than 30 thousand people are staying in evacuation centers such as schools and gymnasiums.
Warnings have been issued that the ongoing rainfall across the Noto Peninsula could trigger landslides.
It was reported that the fate of more than 50 people across the region remains unknown.
HEAVY MACHINERY IS BEING TRANSPORTED TO THE REGION
It was emphasized that 2 thousand personnel from the Japan Self-Defense Forces (SDF) dispatched to the region are participating in search and rescue operations, and that SDF helicopters are being used to supply essential materials.
It was noted that an SDF transport ship will deliver heavy machinery, which it is transporting to the region for debris removal operations, to the port of Wajima city.