(SE): Pope Francis said he was “deeply saddened to learn of the loss of life and damage caused by the earthquake in the Ishikawa prefecture,” Vatican News reported on January 2. The 7.6 magnitude quake struck on January 1, with its epicentre centred on the Noto peninsula in central Japan.
Residents were warned to evacuate some areas on its west coast. Buildings were destroyed and power to thousands of home was knocked out, while travel to the area was disrupted.
Tsunami warnings were also issued with waves along parts of the coast of the Sea of the Japan surging by up to a metre, and authorities saying larger waves could follow as aftershocks continued into January 2.
In a telegramme sent on his behalf by Vatican secretary of state, Pietro Cardinal Parolin, the pope assured everyone affected by the disaster of his heartfelt solidarity, spiritual closeness, and prayers, especially for the dead, those who mourn their loss, and for the rescue of any persons still missing.
“The Holy Father offers encouragement to the civil authorities and emergency personnel as they assist the victims of this tragedy,” it said.
The BBC reported on January 3 that at least 62 people were killed, and that the government had evacuated over 57,300 people. Japan’s prime minister, Fumio Kishida, said that emergency services were locked in a “race against time” to rescue survivors.
Kishida also said some 3,000 rescuers were trying to reach parts of the Noto peninsula. The BBCreported that helicopter surveys showed many fires and widespread damage to buildings and infrastructure. The city of Wajima, on the northern tip of Noto, has been cut off from land routes.
Rappler reported that heavy rains were forecast in the quake-hit areas on January 3, raising fears of landslides, authorities said. Severed roads, damaged infrastructure, and the remote location of the hardest-hit areas have complicated rescue efforts.
