By The Smartencyclopedia Staff & Agencies

The aftermath of a powerful 7.5-magnitude earthquake that struck Japan on Monday has left a devastating toll, with the death count climbing to at least 62, according to the local government. The quake, which hit the Ishikawa Prefecture on Japan’s main Honshu island at around 4:10 p.m. local time, has prompted widespread rescue efforts as authorities strive to locate survivors.

As of 8 a.m. Wednesday, the death toll reached 62, and rescue teams are working tirelessly to search for those still trapped beneath the rubble, reported Gov. Hiroshi Hase of Ishikawa after a disaster countermeasures meeting. The situation remains critical as supplies, including essential items such as food and water, are running low. However, relief efforts are underway, with additional supplies being dispatched from various regions across the archipelago nation.

“Relief supplies are arriving at an increasing rate from all over the country, and we must make the most of every method possible, including land, sea, and air routes, to deliver them to the disaster-stricken areas without any blockages,” Gov. Hase stated in a note.

The prefecture is committed to understanding the evolving needs on the ground and responding accordingly, focusing on delivering supplies, securing infrastructure, and saving lives. The gravity of the situation is reflected in the distribution of casualties, with 29 deaths reported in Wajima City, 22 in Suzu City, five in Nanao City, and two each in Anamizu and Noto towns. Additionally, one casualty was reported in each of Hakui City and Shinga Town.

The toll extends beyond fatalities, with at least 304 individuals reported injured, some of them in serious condition. Initial assessments indicate that 182 homes were destroyed in the earthquake, while another 28 sustained damage. The extent of the destruction underscores the urgent need for comprehensive relief efforts.

Japan’s Ministry of Defense has mobilized approximately 1,000 service members in the affected regions at the directive of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. Their efforts have already yielded positive outcomes, including the rescue of three people from a collapsed building and the safe transportation of four dialysis patients from a Wajima City hospital.

As the nation comes to terms with the scale of the disaster, the focus remains on immediate relief, ongoing rescue operations, and coordinated efforts to address the long-term impact of this tragic event. The resilience of the affected communities and the support from across the nation will play a crucial role in the recovery process ahead.