He Earthquake with a magnitude of 7.6 that was right Japan This Monday January 1, 2024 is the deadliest since 2016: At least 48 people were killed in the earthquake and it is believed that more people may be trapped under the rubble.

The dead include 19 victims in Wajima city, 20 in Suzu, 5 in Nanao, 2 in Anamizu, 1 in Hakui and 1 in Shiga, all in Ishikawa Prefecture, which suffered significant structural damage and fires.

Dozens of people were taken to hospital in each of these cities and rescue efforts continue the death toll is expected to rise in the coming hours.

In Wajima, the town closest to the epicenter, During the earthquake, 25 buildings fell. Fire was also reported due to the collapse of one of the buildings.

Rescue operations in Japan

The Japanese Prime Minister, Fumio Kishidagave a press conference this morning in which he said that he himself will be in charge of the disaster response: “I will be the general manager, I will mobilize the Self-Defense Forces, the Japan Coast Guard, the fire brigade and the police” .

But the President assured that it is extremely difficult for vehicles to access the areas in the north of the Noto Peninsula and that the government has already sent supplies by ship.

According to the latest figures, some 32,000 people have been evacuated in Ishikawa, Toyama prefectures and other nearby areaswhile air transport and local train services remain suspended.

Residents take shelter in a plastic greenhouse after being evacuated in Wajima city, Ishikawa Prefecture. Photo: JIJI PRESS / AFP

About 1,000 Japanese Self-Defense Forces troops participate in rescue operationshi more than 46,000 people are still evacuated in Ishikawa and Toyama prefectures.

In addition, approximately 33,000 households are still without electricity in Ishikawa prefectures, the hardest hit, and nearby Niigata, where gas and water cuts have also occurred in tens of thousands of homes, along with connection problems with landline and mobile phone services.

Happy, The earthquake caused no direct damage to the country’s nuclear power plants.at what is the most vulnerable point against the effects of earthquakes. (JO)