WAJIMA, Japan — Thousands of people who were suddenly left homeless are now living in a state of uncertainty on the western coast of Japan, one week after a powerful earthquake that resulted in at least 168 deaths and dozens of people missing. The ongoing rescue effort, which involves thousands of troops, firefighters, and police, is focused on searching for survivors amidst the rubble of collapsed buildings.
Authorities have issued a grave warning concerning the imminent danger of landslides in the quake-ridden areas of the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa prefecture. This perilous situation has been further worsened by a heavy snowfall, creating an environment that is rife with potential disaster.
The once picturesque landscape, now covered in a deceptive layer of fluffy white snow, reveals a haunting scene of devastation – burned and crumbled houses stand as grim reminders of the destructive force unleashed upon this region.
As one surveys the aftermath, ashen blocks of what was once a bustling city and highways scarred with gaping holes and ominous cracks serve as harbingers of the immense challenges that lie ahead for these communities.
The death toll from the disaster was 70 in Wajima, 70 in Suzu, and 18 in Anamizu. The number of people missing has risen to at least 323. In total, there were 565 injuries and 1, 390 homes damaged or destroyed.
Japanese meteorological officials have issued a warning that strong earthquakes could continue for another month. Although the frequency of these quakes is gradually decreasing, it remains higher compared to previous seismic activities, with a total count exceeding 1, 000.
Before the earthquake, Wajima was a tourist town with a shopping street that offered seafood and traditional crafts. Unfortunately, much of it was destroyed in the fires that broke out after the disaster on January 1st.
