48 die in earthquake in Japan, toll likely to go up

New Delhi, Jan 2: Japanese officials have confirmed the loss of 48 lives following a powerful earthquake that struck Japan on Monday, causing widespread destruction and triggering tsunami warnings. The death toll is feared to climb higher as rescue operations persist.

The seismic event, which occurred on Monday, resulted in the collapse of numerous homes and the destruction of hundreds of buildings, either directly from the quake or subsequent fires.

A series of aftershocks have further complicated the rescue efforts, with approximately 1,000 rescuers tirelessly searching for individuals potentially trapped under the rubble. The town of Wajima suffered the most significant impact, with over a dozen reported fatalities and ongoing concerns for others trapped in their homes. Unfortunately, access to the worst-affected areas is hindered by ruptured roads, posing a significant challenge for rescue teams.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida acknowledged the extensive casualties and declared a "race against time" to rescue survivors. The prime minister has mobilized army personnel to assist in the relief efforts, though road damage is impeding their progress. Authorities have issued a warning to remain vigilant for potential earthquakes in the upcoming week.

The Japanese military is actively distributing essential supplies, including food, water, and blankets, to those forced to evacuate their homes. Over 57,000 people have been evacuated, but tens of thousands of households still grapple with power outages.

Even a day after the 7.6-magnitude earthquake struck the central region of Japan, the nation experiences ongoing tremors, with the latest registering at 4.9 in Ishikawa. Although all tsunami advisories have been lifted along the Sea of Japan, signifying no imminent risk, the aftermath of this seismic event continues to pose challenges to Japan's resilience and emergency response capabilities.