Japan Earthquake Death Toll Reaches 73, Over 1 Lakh Homes Without Water Supply

The number of recorded deaths following the powerful earthquake that struck Japan New Year’s Day rose to 73 on Thursday. Rescue operations are still continuing at the collapsed buildings.

All these deaths occurred in Ishikawa prefecture, the hardest earthquake-hit area. More than 33,000 people have evacuated their homes and about one lakh houses have no water supply in this region.

Freezing temperatures, heavy rain, severed roads and the remote location of the hardest-hit areas have become stumbling blocks for the rescue operations.

This earthquake was termed the deadliest in Japan since 2016. Nearly 600 tremors continue to hit the peninsula, raising fears of landslides and further damages.

Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said on Wednesday that a sea route has been opened to deliver aid and some larger trucks were now able to reach some of the more remote areas.