Wajima City in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan continues to face challenges as aftershocks threaten to further damage homes and block important roads needed for relief efforts. The death toll from the earthquakes that struck Japan’s western coastline has now reached 126. Tragically, among the victims is a 5-year-old boy who had previously suffered from scalding injuries caused by boiling water during the 7.6 magnitude earthquake on Monday. His condition deteriorated and he passed away on Friday. Local officials are warning that the roads, already weakened from the continuous earthquakes, could collapse completely, particularly with the addition of rain and snow expected in the coming days.
Wajima City has been hit the hardest, recording the highest number of deaths at 69, followed by Suzu with 38 fatalities. Over 500 people have been injured, with at least 27 in serious condition. The earthquakes have left roofs strewn on roads and buildings reduced to rubble. A devastating fire in Wajima City has resulted in the destruction of an entire neighborhood.
There are still more than 200 people unaccounted for, although this number is subject to change. In Anamizu, eleven individuals are reportedly trapped under two collapsed homes. In a miraculous rescue, a 90-year-old woman was found alive in Suzu City, more than five days after the initial earthquake. However, due to safety considerations, no visual confirmation of her rescue was shown on the nationally broadcasted news footage.
The population in Ishikawa and its surrounding areas has been steadily declining over the years, and this disaster poses a significant threat to the already fragile local economy reliant on crafts and tourism. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has sent a message of condolence to Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, a rare gesture from the neighboring country. Japan has also received expressions of sympathy and offers of aid from President Joe Biden and other allies.
While power is gradually being restored along the coastline, water supplies remain limited. Emergency water systems have also been damaged, further exacerbating the situation. Thousands of troops have been mobilized to provide water, food, and medicine to the more than 30,000 people who have sought refuge in evacuation centers. The Yomiuri newspaper conducted an aerial study, finding over 100 landslides in the area, some of which are obstructing essential roads.
Rescue operations have become increasingly urgent as time passes. Some individuals who were trapped under debris have been successfully freed, providing a glimmer of hope amidst the devastation. However, the city still faces a shortage of essential resources, with long lines forming for food, water, and gas.
In conclusion, the death toll from the recent earthquakes in Japan has risen to 126, with Wajima City being the most affected. The region is grappling with the dual challenges of ongoing aftershocks and the potential collapse of crucial roads. The disaster has significantly impacted the local economy and further strained an already aging population. While international support and aid have been expressed, the road to recovery remains long and arduous.