Japan Earthquake Toll Rises to 161 Amid Ongoing Rescue Efforts

The death toll from the powerful 7.6-magnitude earthquake that struck Japan’s Ishikawa prefecture on January 1 has risen to 161, with ongoing efforts to locate at least 103 individuals still unaccounted for. The affected areas, particularly Wajima and Suzu cities, continue to face challenges in rescue operations due to inclement weather, including heavy rain and snow, leading to concerns about landslides and building collapses.

The adverse weather conditions have hampered the search for survivors and hindered access to some regions. The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued warnings, urging caution with quake-damaged structures at risk of collapsing under the weight of accumulating snow. The Japanese military is actively involved in relief operations, providing essential supplies to affected residents.

Over 2,000 people remain cut off due to damaged roads, with numerous individuals seeking refuge in emergency shelters. Since the earthquake, more than 1,200 aftershocks have been recorded in the region.