Japan races to rescue victims
It is feared dozens of people have died after a series of powerful earthquakes struck central Japan, triggering tsunami waves more than a metre high, damaging homes and sparking a major blaze.
Yesterday’s official toll of six is certain to rise, with the Kyodo news agency reporting at least 24 dead, including seven in the port of Wajima.
Victims were buried alive in rubble and emergency services battled to control a major fire after dozens of earthquakes struck Japan’s main island of Honshu on New Year’s Day – the worst being a 7.6 magnitude that hit at 4.10pm local time. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said: “Very extensive damage has been confirmed, including numerous casualties, building collapses and fires”, describing a “race against time” to rescue victims.
It comes after the country lifted all the tsunami warnings that were in place.
The worst affected areas of Toyama, Ishikawa and Niigata are now at risk of landslides and collapsing houses as aftershocks are set to continue for the next few days. Waves at least 1.2 metres high hit the port of Wajima, and a series of smaller tsunamis were reported elsewhere, including as far away as the northern island of Hokkaido.
Images on social media showed cars and houses in Ishikawa shaking violently and terrified people cowering in shops and train stations. Houses collapsed and huge cracks appeared in roads.
“I have never experienced anything like this before, it was scary. I went out right away but the ground was shaking,” an elderly man said. “Inside my house, it was so terrible. I am still alive. Maybe I have to be content with that.”
“We are in a horrible situation. Please come and help us,” said another.