As rescuers hurriedly worked to save residents trapped in the aftermath of a 7.5 magnitude quake that unleashed multiple aftershocks and claimed the lives of dozens, scenes of devastation unfolded along Japan’s western coast on Tuesday.The earthquake struck the Noto Peninsula in the central prefecture of Ishikawa on Monday afternoon, resulting in collapsed buildings, widespread fires, and triggering tsunami alerts that reached as far as eastern Russia.
According to Japanese public broadcaster NHK, at least 57 people lost their lives in the earthquake, as reported by officials from the Ishikawa prefecture. Tragically, an additional five people perished at Tokyo Haneda airport on Tuesday when a Japan Airlines jet collided with a coast guard plane dispatched for earthquake relief efforts.
While Japan’s Meteorological Agency lifted all tsunami advisories along portions of the country’s western coast on Tuesday, there remained limited access to the northern part of the secluded Noto Peninsula over 24 hours after the quake struck.
During a disaster emergency meeting on Tuesday, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida informed reporters that a destroyed road had severed access to the affected area, highlighting the challenges faced in the ongoing rescue and relief efforts.