A massive earthquake hits western Japan on Monday. A major tsunami warning was in place in the city of Noto in Ishikawa, with waves of around 16ft expected, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.
According to Japan’s public broadcaster NHK- The fire department in Wajima City confirmed that about 200 buildings are believed to have burned down on Asaichi Street,
The department also said 25 buildings, including houses, had collapsed, and 14 structures may still have people trapped inside.
In addition around 500 people were stranded at Noto Airport after the terminal was damaged. They are being provided food and blankets, but nearby roads are damaged so they can’t get out, as confirmed by Japan’s public broadcaster NHK
Broadcaster NHK also confirmed 55 people were dead in Ishikawa, with the casualties concentrated in the cities of Wajima and Suzu. Many were struggling with serious injuries. Water, power, and cellphone service were still down in some areas, and residents expressed sorrow about their destroyed homes and uncertain futures.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said, “Japan’s military dispatched 1,000 soldiers to the disaster zones to join rescue efforts. Saving lives is our priority and we are fighting a battle against time.”
” To secure the route there, we are to mobilize all the means of transport, not only on the ground but also by aerial and marine transport. We have been making an effort to transfer goods, supplies, and personnel there since the last night, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said Tuesday.
Japanese media, quoting the Ministry of Transport, said 500 people were trapped at Noto Airport in Wajima, including airport staff, passengers, and residents. Because the airport’s windows were shattered and glass and debris scattered around the terminal, all were sheltering in the parking lot, inside rental cars and tour buses, the reports said, with the airport not scheduled to reopen until Jan. 4.
U.S. President Joe Biden said in a statement that his administration was “ready to provide any necessary assistance for the Japanese people.”