Japan Self-Defense Force deploys 200 more soldiers, rescues a total of 6,100 people
The death toll from the strong earthquake on Japan’s Noto Peninsula that occurred on New Year’s Day increased to 180 on the 9th.
According to local public broadcaster NHK and Nihon Keizai Shimbun (Nikkei), Ishikawa Prefecture announced that the number of deaths due to the 7.6 magnitude earthquake on the Noto Peninsula on the 1st had increased to 180 as of 9 a.m. on the 9th.
The place with the highest number of deaths was Wajima City, Ishikawa Prefecture, with 81 people.
Next, 71 people from Suzu City, 18 people from Anamizu-machi, 5 people from Nanao City, 2 people from Notojo City, 2 people from Shika-machi, One person from Hakui (羽?) City.
A total of 565 people were injured, including minor injuries.
The number of missing people, whose whereabouts are unknown because they cannot be contacted, was 120, a decrease of 203 from 323 the previous day.
The number of residents taking refuge in about 400 evacuation centers was estimated to be about 28,000.
Japanese authorities, including the police, fire department, and Self-Defense Forces, are continuing rescue efforts.
On the 8th, Defense Minister Minoru Kihara (木原稔) announced that the total number of Self-Defense Forces deployed to the disaster area since the 7th was 6,100, including an additional 200. About 40 aircraft and 9 ships are in operation.
In addition, it was announced that starting from the 8th, the hygiene support team, including self-defense forces doctors and nurses, is also carrying out support activities focusing on isolated areas.
Nikkei reported that as the cold hit the earthquake-hit area, the fatigue of evacuees was worsening. Caution is also required against hypothermia and infections in evacuation shelters. As evacuees flock, Ishikawa Prefecture is planning a ‘secondary evacuation’ to move them to offshore accommodations.
Road restoration work damaged by the earthquake is facing difficulties. Accordingly, it was calculated that at least 3,345 people were in isolation as of the afternoon of the 8th. About 18,000 households in Ishikawa Prefecture lost power. Approximately 59,000 households are experiencing water outages.
Source: Donga
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