TOKYO, Jan 3, 2024 (BSS/TASS) - The death toll from the earthquakes that continue in central Japan has reached 62, as follows from the data published by the regional authorities.

More than 100 people have been injured. Most of the casualties were in the Ishikawa prefecture - the epicenter of the ongoing earthquakes. Fires have destroyed more than 200 homes. More than 100 buildings collapsed after earth tremors. Rescuers, emergency workers and soldiers continue to remove debris and search for survivors. It has been raining in the affected regions since Wednesday morning.

About 60,000 residents of Ishikawa, Niigata and other Japanese prefectures were evacuated. More than 33,000 homes remain without power supply. In the affected regions Internet and mobile communication is unstable. Water supply is a problem in a number of communities.

More than 300 earthquakes of different strength have already occurred in Japan since Monday. The magnitude of the worst was 7.6. The threat of tsunami for the entire western coast of the country remained for more than 20 hours. The earthquake is the most powerful in this part of Japan since 1885. Seismologists warn that aftershocks will continue for about a week. There is a risk of more powerful earthquakes with magnitudes above 7. Local residents are urged to stay on guard and follow the official messages of emergency services and authorities.