Japan earthquake death toll rises to 92

The death toll of the quake that hit Ishikawa and surrounding areas in central Japan on Monday has risen to 92. The Japanese News Agency (Kyodo) quoted the provincial authorities as saying: As of this morning, 92 victims of the 7.6-magnitude earthquake have been killed, while 242 people were reported missing.

In the aftermath of the quake, the worst-hit port city of Wajima is still facing more than 40 cases of people buried and trapped under the rubble. The Japanese Self-Defense Forces have expanded their efforts with the participation of nearly 4,600 personnel and in cooperation with the police and fire departments to speed up the search and ensure the safety of those missing.

According to the latest estimates from Japan’s Geospatial Information Authority, an area of about 48,000 square meters, equivalent to 4.5 square meters, of football stadiums was destroyed after a massive fire broke out in downtown Wajima during the quake. The latest tally of earthquake victims yesterday indicated 77 deaths.

Amal Farhat