The number of victims of the 7.6-magnitude earthquake that struck Japan has risen to at least 30 people.
A series of earthquakes struck Ishikawa Prefecture on Monday afternoon, leading to its cancellation for now Tsunami warning This prompted some to flee to higher areas.
Buildings collapsed, cracks opened in roads, and fires broke out – with JapanAustralia's Prime Minister says he is now racing to help survivors.
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“Saving lives is our priority as we fight a battle against time,” said Fumio Kishida. “It is crucial that people trapped in their homes are rescued immediately.”
His office said about 120 people may still be waiting for rescue.
He said there was “extensive damage” and that it was particularly difficult to reach the northern tip of the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa, due to damaged roads.
Kanazawa, Ishikawa
Ojima, Ishikawa
Kishida added that a thousand soldiers were deployed in the earthquake zone on the west coast of Japan, along with police and firefighters.
Officials confirmed on Tuesday that 30 people had died in the city of Wajima, near the epicenter, where smoke and embers were still filling the sky on Tuesday.
Many railway, ferry and flight services to the region have also been suspended.
Noto Airport was closed due to damage to the runway, terminal and access roads, with 500 people stranded inside cars in its parking lot.
Many buildings have collapsed or been damaged
Rescuers are trying to find anyone trapped. Pic: Kyodo via AP
The earthquake struck west of the main island of Japan
More than 140 earthquakes have been recorded since the earthquake first occurred, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency, which warned of the possibility of more strong tremors.
On Monday night, about 100,000 people were also evacuated from the quake zone and spent the night in school halls and gymnasiums.
Japanese people are well aware of what to do when an earthquake occurs, and most of the country's modern buildings are built with some type of earthquake resistance.
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Fires are still burning in the Wajima area, close to the epicenter. Image: Kyodo via Reuters
Wajima, Ishikawa, Photo: Kyodo News via AP
The 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan led to the Fukushima nuclear accident – the second worst in history.
However, the country's nuclear authority said no problems have been discovered so far.
President Biden and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak were among those who offered assistance to Japan if needed.
Biden said that the two countries share “deep ties of friendship,” adding: “Our thoughts are with the Japanese people during this difficult time.”
Rishi Sunak described the Japanese Prime Minister as a “great friend of the United Kingdom” and said that Britain was “ready to support Japan.”
