Number of missing people after earthquake in Japan increased more than 3 times

A week after a 7.5-magnitude earthquake hit the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture in western Japan, heavy snowfall and sub-zero temperatures have complicated rescue efforts, while residents remain uncertain when reconstruction plans can begin.

According to AFP, a new list released by the Ishikawa prefectural government on January 8 shows that the number of missing people has increased from 31 to 281 in Wajima city, one of the areas most severely affected by the earthquake. With this statistic, the total number of missing people after the disaster is now 323. Meanwhile, 168 people have been confirmed dead, according to data updated on January 8.

Rescuers search for earthquake victims in Wajima on January 8.

More than 2,000 people remain isolated, while many others are without power and water, or are forced to take shelter in crowded shelters, according to Reuters. AFP reported that about 18,000 households in Ishikawa remained without electricity as of January 8, while more than 66,100 households were without water on January 7.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said on January 8 that 500 people could be temporarily housed at a sports center in Kanazawa City (Ishikawa Prefecture), but more such shelters were needed. He also said the government was working to find hotel rooms for evacuees.

On January 5, Mr. Kishida announced that the government would allocate 4.74 billion yen ($32.77 million) from the national budget reserve for reconstruction efforts. But the weather makes reconstruction a dangerous task, with forecasts showing more snow and rain in the quake-affected area in the coming days.

Japan urgently searches for earthquake survivors

The biggest challenge is the inability to plow snow, said Hisashi Ida, head of a fire department in Kanazawa. "Machines won't be able to enter, and walking on uneven ground where snow has accumulated could easily cause injury. I think it will be a 'secondary disaster' and I'm worried," Reuters quoted the official as saying.

Residents have not been told when reconstruction will begin. "When will reconstruction start? When will temporary housing be built? We have not received any information," Kanazawa resident Hiroe Kawabe told Reuters.

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