Japan earthquake: Hundreds trapped, hope dwindles
A devastating earthquake that rocked Japan's Noto Peninsula on New Year's Day has left hundreds isolated and sparked desperate rescue efforts amidst fading hope for those trapped under debris, News.ro reports.
The 7.5-magnitude quake triggered hundreds of aftershocks and unleashed a tsunami with minimal impact, but its true toll unfolds within the ravaged Ishikawa prefecture.
Nearly 90 roads lie blocked, cutting off access to villages around Wajima and Suzu where the temblor wreaked havoc. Authorities estimate at least 750 people remain isolated, their plight intensified by collapsing buildings and frigid temperatures.
"Many may still be buried," acknowledged the Wajima municipality, reporting at least 40-50 residents trapped under rubble. With 72 hours now passed since the disaster, the window for finding survivors narrows, casting a sombre shade over ongoing rescue operations.
Over 200 buildings lay in ruins or heavily damaged, displacing some 34,000 residents who now seek refuge in 360 evacuation centres. As crews tirelessly comb through the debris, anxieties mount regarding secondary disasters fueled by the arrival of rain, increasing the risk of landslides.
The full extent of the devastation remains shrouded in a communication blackout within the affected areas. Restoring infrastructure and assessing the complete picture of loss are immediate priorities, while the hope for finding more survivors hangs in the balance.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
