SUZU, Japan (AP) — Japanese rescuers searched urgently through rubble for survivors Wednesday ahead of predicted bitter cold and heavy rain in what the prime minister called a race against time after powerful earthquakes killed at least 73 people in western Japan.
Fifteen people were listed as officially missing and possibly trapped under collapsed buildings.
Ishikawa prefecture and nearby areas were shaken by more aftershocks on Wednesday, adding to the dozens that followed Monday's magnitude 7.6 temblor centered near Noto, about 300 kilometers (185 miles) from Tokyo on the opposite coast. The quake set off tsunami warnings, followed by waves measuring more than 1 meter (3 feet) in some places.
The first 72 hours are especially critical for teams of rescuers and canine units searching for survivors, experts say, because the prospects for survival greatly diminish after that.
“More than 40 hours have passed. This is a race against time, and I feel that we are at a critical moment,” Prime Minister Fumio Kishida told reporters. “We have received reports many people are still waiting for rescue under collapsed buildings.”
The narrow Noto Peninsula has added to the challenges in reaching some communities. Water, power and cellphone service were still down in some areas.
Naomi Gonno says she and her children got out of their house just as it came crashing down.
But her children were screaming “Granma,” and Gonno saw that her mother was trapped under the smashed house, with only her hand visible. She was able to squeeze her way out through a tiny space, Gonno said.
“I can’t believe we're still alive,” she said. “We are living in fear.”
Relief officials handed out water, blankets, food and other supplies. Search dogs joined military personnel and firefighters trying to find missing people, although the exact number is unclear.
Weather forecasts warned of heavy rain in Ishikawa, leading to worries about landslides and further damage to half-crumbled homes. Temperatures were expected to drop to around 4 degrees Celsius (39 degrees Fahrenheit) overnight.
Of the deaths, 39 were counted in Wajima city, while 23 people died in Suzu, according to Ishikawa prefectural authorities. The other deaths were reported in five neighboring towns.
More than 300 people have been injured, at least 25 of them seriously.
Ishikawa Gov. Hiroshi Hase encouraged everyone to use masks, antiseptic and soap to guard against the spread of infectious diseases as evacuees shelter together. Ensuring adequate water supplies and toilets for those who were displaced is a priority, he said.
Nearly 33,000 people are staying at evacuation centers, and some said they were hungry and cold, unable to sleep and afraid.
When Monday's quake hit, Yasuo Kobatake ran out of his house with just one sock on. The shaking threw him to the ground, and a concrete wall came crashing down, barely missing him, he said.
He was eating only rice balls and a few sips of water in paper cups at the elementary school where he and others have been sheltering. They slept on cushions, with no blankets.
“It was so cold. I thought I'd freeze to death,” he said.
In the aftermath of the quakes and tsunami, boats lay overturned in the sea, roads were blocked by mounds of dirt, and pillars and walls lay scattered from flattened homes. A large fire turned an entire section of Wajima city into ashes.
Officials warned that more major quakes could follow.
Japan is prone to earthquakes, with many fault lines and volcanoes. A massive quake, tsunami and nuclear disaster in 2011 caused widespread damage in northeastern Japan.
No major problems were reported at nuclear plants after Monday's quake. The Shika nuclear plant in Ishikawa suffered a partial electricity failure, but backup power kicked in, ensuring the critical cooling process continued.
Japan is an organized, conformist and relatively crime-free society where warnings are systematically relayed as a public service. Disaster experts say that’s helping save lives.
Takako Izumi, a disaster science professor at Tohoku University, said time is needed to figure out logistics because roads are often blocked after an earthquake, and large trucks can't get through to deliver aid.
If land routes aren't accessible, aid may have to be dropped from the sky or brought in by boat. The winter cold adds to health risks, and some people may still have not reached an evacuation center, she added.
“We need to accurately assess the damage first. And then a proper response can come, and what's needed can reach the right places,” Izumi said.
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Kageyama reported from Tokyo. Haruka Nuga in Bangkok contributed.
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Yuri Kageyama is on X: https://twitter.com/yurikageyama
This satellite image provided by Maxar Technologies shows a neighborhood in Wajima, Japan on April 27, 2021. A series of powerful earthquakes that hit western Japan have left at least 55 people dead and damaged thousands of buildings, vehicles and boats. Officials warned Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024, that more quakes could lie ahead. (Maxar Technologies via AP)
This combo of satellite image provided by Maxar Technologies show a neighborhood in Wajima, Japan on April 27, 2021, top, and the same neighborhood on Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024. A series of powerful earthquakes that hit western Japan have left at least 55 people dead and damaged thousands of buildings, vehicles and boats. Officials warned Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024, that more quakes could lie ahead. (Maxar Technologies via AP)
Police make search operation through damaged houses, following earthquake in Wajima, Ishikawa prefecture, Japan Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024. A series of powerful earthquakes in western Japan damaged homes, cars and boats, with officials warning people on Tuesday to stay away from their homes in some areas because of a continuing risk of major quakes and tsunamis. (Kyodo News via AP)
A man cries as a body of his family member was found from a collapsed house caused by powerful earthquake in Suzu, Ishikawa Prefecture Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024. A series of powerful earthquakes hit western Japan, damaging buildings, vehicles and boats, with officials warning people in some areas on Tuesday to stay away from their homes because of a risk of more strong quakes. (AP Photo/Hiro Komae)
Firefighters and rescue workers pull a body , in blue sheet, found from a collapsed house caused by powerful earthquake in Suzu, Ishikawa Prefecture Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024. A series of powerful earthquakes hit western Japan, damaging buildings, vehicles and boats, with officials warning people in some areas on Tuesday to stay away from their homes because of a risk of more strong quakes. (AP Photo/Hiro Komae)
White smoke is seen from a burnt building hit by earthquakes in Wajima, Ishikawa prefecture, Japan Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024. A series of powerful earthquakes that hit western Japan left multiple people dead and damaged thousands of buildings, vehicles and boats. Officials warned Tuesday that more quakes could lie ahead. (Kyodo News via AP)
A person looks at a body of a family member found from a collapsed house caused by powerful earthquake in Suzu, Ishikawa Prefecture Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024. A series of powerful earthquakes hit western Japan, damaging buildings, vehicles and boats, with officials warning people in some areas on Tuesday to stay away from their homes because of a risk of more strong quakes. (AP Photo/Hiro Komae)
Firefighters and rescue workers carry a body , in blue sheet, found from a collapsed house caused by powerful earthquake in Suzu, Ishikawa Prefecture Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024. A series of powerful earthquakes hit western Japan, damaging buildings, vehicles and boats, with officials warning people in some areas on Tuesday to stay away from their homes because of a risk of more strong quakes. (AP Photo/Hiro Komae)
Evacuees rest at a temporary evacuation center in Suzu in the Noto peninsula facing the Sea of Japan, northwest of Tokyo, Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024, following Monday's deadly earthquake. (AP Photo/Hiro Komae)
In this photo provided by Japanese Ministry of Defense, Japanese Self Defense Force members carry an injured person out of a collapsed house, following strong earthquakes in Wajima, Ishikawa prefecture, Japan, Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024. (Japanese Ministry of Defense via AP)
In this photo provided by Japanese Ministry of Defense, Japanese Self Defense Force members carry an injured person into a helicopter, following strong earthquakes in Suzu, Ishikawa prefecture, Japan, Jan. 2, 2024. (Japanese Ministry of Defense via AP)
Firefighters and police search coastal area hit by earthquakes in Suzu, Ishikawa prefecture, Japan Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024. Rescue workers and canine units urgently sifted through rubble Wednesday ahead of predicted freezing cold and heavy rain in what the prime minister called a race against time after powerful earthquakes in western Japan killed multiple people. Dozens are believed trapped under collapsed buildings.(Kyodo News via AP)
In this photo provided by Japanese Ministry of Defense, Japanese Self Defense Force members carry an injured person out of a collapsed house , following strong earthquakes in Wajima, Ishikawa prefecture, Japan, Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024. (Japanese Ministry of Defense via AP)
A collapsed house caused by powerful earthquake is seen in Suzu in the Noto peninsula facing the Sea of Japan, northwest of Tokyo, Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024, following Monday's deadly earthquake. (AP Photo/Hiro Komae)
An evacuee volunteers to grill pieces of fish at a temporary evacuation center in Suzu in the Noto peninsula facing the Sea of Japan, northwest of Tokyo, Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024, following Monday's deadly earthquake. (AP Photo/Hiro Komae)
Firefighters search collapsed houses hit by earthquakes in Suzu, Ishikawa prefecture, Japan Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024. Rescue workers and canine units urgently sifted through rubble Wednesday ahead of predicted freezing cold and heavy rain in what the prime minister called a race against time after powerful earthquakes in western Japan killed multiple people. Dozens are believed trapped under collapsed buildings.(Kyodo News via AP)
Evacuees rest surrounding a heater at a temporary evacuation center in Suzu in the Noto peninsula facing the Sea of Japan, northwest of Tokyo, Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024, following Monday's deadly earthquake. (AP Photo/Hiro Komae)
Police walk past collapsed houses hit by earthquakes in Suzu, Ishikawa prefecture, Japan Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024. Rescue workers and canine units urgently sifted through rubble Wednesday ahead of predicted freezing cold and heavy rain in what the prime minister called a race against time after powerful earthquakes in western Japan killed multiple people. Dozens are believed trapped under collapsed buildings.(Kyodo News via AP)
Japanese Self Defense Force members inspect a collapsed house hit by earthquakes in Suzu, Ishikawa prefecture, Japan Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024. Rescue workers and canine units urgently sifted through rubble Wednesday ahead of predicted freezing cold and heavy rain in what the prime minister called a race against time after powerful earthquakes in western Japan killed multiple people. Dozens are believed trapped under collapsed buildings.(Kyodo News via AP)
A police officer and a canine dog search a collapsed house following earthquakes in Wajima, Ishikawa prefecture, Japan Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024. A series of powerful earthquakes that hit western Japan left multiple people dead Wednesday, as rescue workers fought to save those feared trapped under the rubble of collapsed buildings.(Kyodo News via AP)
Firefighters search the earthquake-hit area in Suzu, Ishikawa prefecture, Japan Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024. A series of powerful earthquakes that hit western Japan left multiple people dead Wednesday, as rescue workers fought to save those feared trapped under the rubble of collapsed buildings.(Kyodo News via AP)
People make their way through fallen buildings in the earthquake-hit city, Suzu, Ishikawa prefecture, Japan Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024. A series of powerful earthquakes that hit western Japan left multiple people dead Wednesday, as rescue workers fought to save those feared trapped under the rubble of collapsed buildings.(Kyodo News via AP)
People look at the area burnt by a fire in the earthquake-hit area in Wajima, Ishikawa prefecture, Japan Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024. A series of powerful earthquakes that hit western Japan left multiple people dead Wednesday, as rescue workers fought to save those feared trapped under the rubble of collapsed buildings.(Kyodo News via AP)
In this photo provided by Japanese Ministry of Defense, Japanese Self Defense Force members carry an injured person into a helicopter for airlifting, following strong earthquakes in Suzu, Ishikawa prefecture, Japan, Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024. (Japanese Ministry of Defense via AP)
Local residents keep warm at the garage in the earthquake-hit city, Wajima, Ishikawa prefecture, Japan Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024. A series of powerful earthquakes that hit western Japan left multiple people dead Wednesday, as rescue workers fought to save those feared trapped under the rubble of collapsed buildings.(Kyodo News via AP)
A burnt-out vehicle sits in the debris in an area hit by a fire, following earthquakes in Wajima, Ishikawa prefecture, Japan Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024. A series of powerful earthquakes that hit western Japan left multiple people dead Wednesday, as rescue workers fought to save those feared trapped under the rubble of collapsed buildings.(Kyodo News via AP)
The cars are seen damaged as the city was hit by the earthquakes and tsunami in Suzu, Ishikawa prefecture, Japan Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024. A series of powerful earthquakes that hit western Japan left multiple people dead Wednesday, as rescue workers fought to save those feared trapped under the rubble of collapsed buildings.(Kyodo News via AP)
A man walks past the debris in an area hit by a fire, following earthquakes in Wajima, Ishikawa prefecture, Japan Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024. A series of powerful earthquakes that hit western Japan left multiple people dead Wednesday, as rescue workers fought to save those feared trapped under the rubble of collapsed buildings.(Kyodo News via AP)
A person walks past a building with collapsed walls, as the city was hit by the earthquakes and tsunami in Nanao, Ishikawa prefecture, Japan Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024. A series of powerful earthquakes that hit western Japan left multiple people dead Wednesday, as rescue workers fought to save those feared trapped under the rubble of collapsed buildings.(Kyodo News via AP)
Firefighters search collapsed houses following earthquakes in Wajima, Ishikawa prefecture, Japan Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024. A series of powerful earthquakes that hit western Japan left multiple people dead Wednesday, as rescue workers fought to save those feared trapped under the rubble of collapsed buildings.(Kyodo News via AP)
A woman looks at the burnt-out marketplace by a fire following earthquakes in Wajima, Ishikawa prefecture, Japan Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024. A series of powerful earthquakes that hit western Japan left multiple people dead Wednesday, as rescue workers fought to save those feared trapped under the rubble of collapsed buildings.(Kyodo News via AP)
Firefighters walk near a fallen building following earthquakes in Wajima, Ishikawa prefecture, Japan Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024. A series of powerful earthquakes that hit western Japan left multiple people dead Wednesday, as rescue workers fought to save those feared trapped under the rubble of collapsed buildings.(Kyodo News via AP)
Firefighters search a fallen building hit by earthquakes in Wajima, Ishikawa prefecture, Japan Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024. A series of powerful earthquakes that hit western Japan left multiple people dead Wednesday, as rescue workers fought to save those feared trapped under the rubble of collapsed buildings.(Kyodo News via AP)
Medical staffers attend evacuees at a temporary evacuation center in Suzu in the Noto peninsula facing the Sea of Japan, northwest of Tokyo, Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024, following Monday's deadly earthquake. (AP Photo/Hiro Komae)
Evacuees rest at a temporary evacuation center in Suzu in the Noto peninsula facing the Sea of Japan, northwest of Tokyo, Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024, following Monday's deadly earthquake. (AP Photo/Hiro Komae)
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