Wajima, Japan – A woman in her 90s was miraculously rescued from the rubble of a collapsed house on Saturday, over five days after a devastating 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck western Japan. The quake has claimed the lives of at least 126 people, causing widespread destruction, toppling buildings, and triggering landslides.
The elderly woman, located in Suzu city, Ishikawa prefecture, defied the odds and managed to survive for more than 124 hours before being rescued. Helmeted rescue workers shielded her from view as they covered the area with blue plastic in order to shield her from prying eyes. The chances of survival drastically decrease after the initial 72-hour period, making her rescue all the more remarkable.
Multiple other dramatic rescues have been reported in the past few days as first responders, including soldiers and firefighters, are working tirelessly to recover survivors from the wreckage. Tragically, among the reported 126 casualties is a five-year-old boy who tragically succumbed to injuries incurred from scalding water spilling on him during the earthquake. The Ishikawa prefecture, the hardest-hit region, reported his sudden deterioration and subsequent death on Friday.
The situation remains dire as aftershocks continue to threaten the area, potentially burying more homes and obstructing vital roads needed for aid distribution. Concerns have been raised about already cracked roads potentially collapsing entirely due to the heavy rainfall and snowfall expected overnight and Sunday.
Wajima city has recorded the highest death toll, with 69 fatalities, followed by Suzu with 38. Over 500 people have been injured, 27 of whom are in critical condition. The aftermath of the earthquake has left roads warped like rubber, roofs scattered on streets, and entire neighborhoods reduced to ashes by rampant fires. More than 200 individuals are still unaccounted for, with 11 people trapped under collapsed houses in Anamizu.
The earthquake has not only claimed lives and caused immense damage but also exacerbated the region’s existing struggles. Ishikawa, along with nearby areas, has been experiencing a declining population in recent years, and its already fragile economy, dependent on crafts and tourism, now faces even greater challenges.
In an unexpected gesture, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un sent a message of condolence to Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, as reported by the official Korean central news agency. Other allies, including US President Joe Biden, have also expressed sympathy and pledged aid to Japan.
Yoshimasa Hayashi, a government spokesperson, expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support, including the unexpected message from North Korea. He noted that the last condolence message from the country for a disaster was received in 1995. The Yomiuri newspaper conducted an aerial study and identified over 100 landslides, some of which are blocking key roads and isolating communities in need of assistance.
Despite the challenges ahead, the residents of Wajima are resilient and determined to recover. Seizo Shinbo, a seafood trader, expressed hope for the city’s revival and encouraged people to remain and work together towards reconstruction. However, shortages of food, water, and gas present significant obstacles, with long lines forming to access necessities.
In conclusion, the aftermath of the earthquake in western Japan continues to unfold, with heroic rescues and tragic casualties making headlines. The recovery effort is ongoing, with many still missing and communities cut off from aid. As the region grapples with the destruction and loss, the outpouring of support from both domestic and international sources offers a glimmer of hope amidst the immense devastation.