Rescue efforts underway in Japan after devastating earthquake, death toll rises to 62, 300+ injured

TOKYO, JAPAN - A powerful earthquake measuring 7.5 on the Richter scale struck Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan on Monday, claiming the lives of at least 62 people and injuring over 300. The Noto Peninsula bore the brunt of the disaster, with hundreds of buildings reduced to rubble and towns like Wajima and Suzu facing widespread devastation.

Rescue efforts are in full swing, with authorities battling aftershocks and heavy rain to reach survivors trapped under debris. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has emphasized the urgency of the situation, urging rescuers to "put people's lives first" in the race against time.

The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued a landslide warning for the affected area, adding another layer of danger to the ongoing struggle. In hard-hit coastal towns like Suzu, Mayor Masuhiro Izumiya painted a grim picture, describing nearly complete destruction of houses and a "catastrophic" situation.

Survivors in shelters expressed fear and uncertainty, unable to rest due to frequent tremors. Basic necessities like electricity and water remain disrupted in many areas, further compounding the hardship.

While bullet trains and highways have resumed operations, thousands remain displaced and require immediate assistance. The disaster serves as a stark reminder of Japan's vulnerability to earthquakes, as the country grapples with the recent increase in seismic activity in the Noto Peninsula region.

Memories of the devastating 2011 earthquake and tsunami that claimed thousands of lives remain fresh in the minds of many. This latest tragedy underscores the need for continued preparedness and effective disaster response mechanisms in a nation prone to natural calamities.

Key Points:

• 7.5 magnitude earthquake strikes Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan.
• Death toll rises to 62, over 300 injured.
• Noto Peninsula suffers widespread destruction.
• Rescue efforts ongoing amidst landslide warning and heavy rain.
• Basic necessities like water and electricity disrupted.
• Bullet trains and highways resume operations, but thousands remain displaced.
• Disaster highlights Japan's vulnerability to earthquakes and need for preparedness.