Japan earthquake: The death toll in the initial 7.6 magnitude earthquake that struck Japan’s Ishikawa prefecture rose to 62 on Monday.
The Japan News reported 29 deaths in Wajima, 22 in Suzu, five in Nanao, and two each in Anamizu, Hakui, and Shika.
While rescue efforts continue, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has issued a heavy rain warning for the area. “Be on the lookout for landslides until the evening of Wednesday,” the agency added.
The powerful earthquake that shook Ishikawa prefecture on Honshu’s main island caused tsunami waves to exceed one metre, sparked a significant fire, and damaged roads extensively.
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the island nation has been hit by as many as 155 earthquakes since Monday, including a 7.6 magnitude jolt and another more than 6.
On Tuesday, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida emphasised the importance of the rescue efforts, acknowledging the race against time.
“More than 40 hours have passed since the disaster. We have received a lot of information about people in need of rescue and there are people waiting for help,” Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said on Wednesday”. However, we ask you to remain fully mindful that we are in a race against time and to continue to do your utmost to save lives, putting people’s lives first,” he said.
