WAJIMA, Japan – A series of powerful earthquakes has struck western Japan, resulting in the deaths of at least eight people and causing extensive damage to buildings, vehicles, and boats. Officials are urging residents in some areas to avoid their homes due to the heightened risk of further strong quakes.

The aftermath of a magnitude 7.6 earthquake that hit Ishikawa prefecture and surrounding areas on Monday has been marked by ongoing aftershocks. On Tuesday, eight deaths were confirmed in Wajima city, and seven others sustained serious injuries. The extent of damage to homes is still being assessed.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida emphasized the urgency of rescuing people trapped in their homes and stated that saving lives is the top priority. The military has deployed 1,000 soldiers to assist with rescue efforts in the disaster zones.

In addition to the loss of life and injuries, the earthquakes have caused widespread destruction, with images showing rows of collapsed houses, flattened wooden structures, overturned cars, and half-sunken ships in the bays. As a result of the tsunami warning issued for Ishikawa and surrounding areas, evacuations were necessary, and bullet trains in the region were temporarily halted.

The earthquakes in Japan are a stark reminder of the country’s vulnerability to seismic activity, given its location along the “Ring of Fire,” an arc of volcanoes and fault lines in the Pacific Basin. As rescue and recovery efforts continue, the need for immediate assistance is underscored, emphasizing the significance of preparedness in the face of natural disasters.