Powerful earthquakes hit western Japan 55 dead and damaged thousands of buildings.

A series of powerful earthquakes has struck western Japan, leaving at least 55 people dead and causing extensive damage to buildings, boats and vehicles. The aftermath of the magnitude 7.6 temblor continues to be felt, with aftershocks persisting in Ishikawa prefecture and neighboring areas.

The scale of the damage, including the destruction of thousands of homes and ongoing disruptions to water, power, and cell phone services, is making a comprehensive assessment challenging. Tens of thousands of homes are reported to have been destroyed, and officials have cautioned that more earthquakes could follow.

Government spokesperson Yoshimasa Hayashi provided a slightly lower death toll but acknowledged the severity of the situation, stating that 17 people were seriously injured. The impact of the earthquakes has prompted sorrow and uncertainty among residents, with many facing an uncertain future due to the widespread destruction.

Despite the gradual increase in casualty numbers, the quick response from the public, aided by prompt warnings through broadcasts and phones, has helped mitigate some of the damage. However, the region remains in a precarious and unpredictable situation.

Japan, situated along the “Ring of Fire,” an area prone to earthquakes, is no stranger to seismic activity. The Japanese people’s preparedness, with evacuation plans and emergency supplies, has played a crucial role in managing the immediate aftermath. However, experts warn that the situation remains unpredictable, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has mobilized the military to join rescue efforts, recognizing the urgency of saving lives. The military deployment includes 1,000 soldiers working against time to rescue people trapped in homes.

Aerial footage from Japanese media highlights the extensive damage, with landslides burying roads, boats tossed in the waters, and a fire engulfing a section of Wajima city. The disaster has prompted concerns about infrastructure stability, especially with rain predicted in the forecast.

While several nuclear plants in the region are reported to be operating normally, the disaster has raised fears of a potential recurrence of the 2011 quake and tsunami that led to a nuclear meltdown in northeastern Japan.

As rescue efforts intensify and the region grapples with the aftermath, global leaders, including U.S. President Joe Biden, have expressed readiness to provide necessary assistance to support the Japanese people during this challenging time.