By Lucy Adautin
Japan’s western coastline was hit by a disastrous earthquake on Thursday, killing 81 people and rendering dozens missing.
Ishikawa officials said 47 of those who died were in the city of Wajima and 23 were in Suzu. The 11 others were reported in five neighboring towns. 330 people have been injured, at least 25 seriously injured.
Those reported to be missing ranged from 15 to 79 overnight. The missing persons were reportedly visiting during the New Year with their loved ones when the quake hit.
Rescue operations of about 3,600 soldiers in addition were sent to the initial 1,000 by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, with the aim of providing those affected with fresh water and hot meals, as well as setting up bathing facilities for the 34,000 who are now homeless as essential supplies such as water, food and blankets have been running short.
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One of the survivors, Kobatake, said he can no longer access his destroyed house. “So here I am with my wife sleeping beside all the others (taking shelter at the school). We talk to each other and we try to encourage each other,” he said.
Rescuers are still pulling out people alive from under rubbles. But time is running out as first 72 hours are crucial to finding survivors by experts.
“I would like to express my heartfelt prayers for the souls of those who lost their lives, and my deepest sympathies to all those suffering from the disaster,” said Finance Minister Shunichi Suzuki.
Japan is prone to earthquakes, in addition to fault lines and volcanoes. In 2011, quake, tsunami and nuclear disaster caused huge destruction in northeastern Japan.
