Japan's earthquake death toll jumps to 30

Published January 2nd, 2024 - 05:45 GMT
Japan
This aerial photo shows smoke rising from an area following a large fire in Wajima, Ishikawa prefecture on January 2, 2024. (Photo by Fred MERY / AFP)

ALBAWABA - Japanese local authorities revealed on Tuesday that the death toll from a powerful earthquake, which hit the country on Jan. 1 increased to 30.

According to The Japan Times, local authorities added that 14 others were seriously injured in the 7.6-magnitude earthquake that struck central Japan and triggered a tsunami alert.

Nevertheless, the Ishikawa prefectural government said that half the deaths were reported in Wajima city, where a huge fire erupted in over 200 structures, but the chances of them spreading further are weak.

Furthermore, rescue workers in Japan are still conducting search operations.

Reports also revealed that many structures had collapsed in Niigata, Toyama, Fukui and Gifu prefectures, leading to multiple injuries.

Videos and photos showing the very first moments of the earthquake were flooded on social media as metro signs were seen shaking in one clip.

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