Japanese rescue workers and canine units yesterday searched urgently through rubble ahead of predicted bitter cold and heavy rain in what the prime minister called a race against time after powerful earthquakes killed at least 65 people in western Japan.
Ishikawa Prefecture and nearby areas were shaken by a magnitude 4.9 aftershock yesterday — one of dozens that have followed Monday’s magnitude 7.5 temblor centered near Noto. The quake set off tsunami warnings, followed by waves measuring more than 1m in some places.
The first 72 hours are especially critical for rescues, because the prospects for survival greatly diminish after that, experts say.
Photo: Reuters
“More than 40 hours have passed. This is a race against time, and I feel that we are at a critical moment,” Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida told reporters. “We have received reports many people are still waiting for rescue under collapsed buildings.”
The narrow Noto Peninsula has added to the challenges in reaching some communities. Water, power and cellphone service were still down in some areas.
Naomi Gonno said she and her children got out of their house just as it came crashing down, but when she heard her children screaming “grandma,” Gonno saw that her mother was trapped under the smashed house, with only her hand visible.
She was able to squeeze her way out through a tiny space, Gonno said.
“I can’t believe we’re still alive,” she said. “We are living in fear.”
Relief officials handed out water, blankets, food and other supplies, while search dogs joined military personnel and firefighters trying to find dozens of people who are thought to be trapped, although the exact number is unclear.
Weather forecasts warned of heavy rain in Ishikawa, leading to worries about landslides and further damage to half-crumbled homes. Temperatures were expected to drop to about 4°C overnight.
Of the deaths, 32 were counted in Wajima city, while 22 people died in Suzu, Ishikawa prefectural authorities said.
The other deaths were reported in five neighboring towns. Although there has been no official number of missing, dozens are believed trapped under collapsed buildings.
Kyodo News, with its own tally, said the deaths had risen to 73 because of more fatalities in Wajima.
Ishikawa Governor Hiroshi Hase encouraged everyone to use masks, antiseptic and soap to guard against the spread of infectious diseases as evacuees shelter together.
Nearly 33,000 people are staying at evacuation centers, and some said they were hungry and cold, unable to sleep and afraid.
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