84 people lost their lives after the powerful New Year earthquake in Japan. Nearly 80 others are still missing.
The chances of finding survivors are diminishing in central Japan where nearly 80 people are still missing, three days after the powerful New Year’s earthquake which left 84 dead, according to a latest provisional report.
At least 330 people were injured by the earthquake and its hundreds of aftershocks. A tsunami also hit the coast. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida called on the entire country to focus on rescues: “Many people still remain under the collapsed buildings and are waiting for help. We will redouble our efforts on site and aim to rescue as many people as possible.”
The toll could rise further, as hundreds of buildings were destroyed in the disaster. The rain also makes the search by several thousand members of the Japan Self-Defense Forces, firefighters and police from across Japan even more difficult.
Around 30,000 homes in Ishikawa Prefecture are still without electricity. Another 110,000 no longer have access to water.