TOKYO: The death toll from a New Year’s Day quake in Japan has climbed to more than 200 on Tuesday with 565 confirmed wounded, government officials said.
The data from the Ishikawa regional government showed that around 102 people were killed in the earthquake in Japan.
Earlier, authorities stated that around 202 people were still missing following the 7.5-magnitude earthquake that toppled buildings and compounds, sparked a major fire and also triggered tsunami waves over a metre high in the region.
Death Toll from Japan Earthquake Rises 200: Officials
The 7.5 magnitude quake on January 1st rattled Ishikawa on the main island of Honshu triggering tsunami waves over a meter high. The quake also sparked a major fire and tore separately roads in the region.
ALSO READ: Japan Quake Toll Hits 161 as Snow Hampers Relief
After the quake, Japan’s Prime Minister had reiterated that “it is a race against time” given how many citizens may have been caught in the collapsed compounds and buildings.
Earlier, local media stated that Shinkansen bullet trains and highways have resumed operations following several thousand commuters were stranded in the region.
The Japanese army has been handing out supplies including water, food, and blankets for those who have had to vacate their houses.
Japan’s Defence Ministry said that it had sent around 6,000 personnel out to help with the relief mission. The officials further said that they believe there are still citizens alive who need rescue and pledged to continue their lifesaving rescue operations despite the ending of a critical time find survivors.
