Hope diminishes as nearly 250 people go missing in aftermath of Japan earthquake

Rescue workers in Japan are in a race against time to locate 242 missing persons following a powerful earthquake that struck on New Year's Day. The first 72 hours after the quake are crucial for finding survivors, and this period came to an end late on Thursday. The death toll from the 7.6 magnitude earthquake in the isolated Noto peninsula has now risen to 92. The Self-Defense Forces of Japan have increased the number of troops involved in rescue and relief efforts to 4,600. Most of the people who are missing are believed to be trapped beneath their collapsed homes, particularly in the towns of Suzu and Wajima. Unfortunately, these wooden structures were not designed to withstand the frequent powerful earthquakes that afflict the country. Tens of thousands of residents still do not have access to power and water, and hundreds are cut off from assistance due to landslides and blocked roads. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida expressed determination not to give up the search for survivors and encouraged the rescue and relief teams to exhaust all efforts in reaching the affected communities. Additionally, a small tsunami caused by the earthquake flooded around 296 acres of land, according to Japan's land ministry. Japan has announced plans to allocate 4.74 billion yen ($34 million; £27 million) from its budget reserves to aid victims. Photos shared by the Japan Ground Self Defense Force revealed troops loading trucks with essential supplies like food, water, and toiletries. They were also seen clearing mud and debris from roads affected by landslides. In one image, troops were shown carrying a survivor on a stretcher along a snow-covered trail. The BBC witnessed significant destruction during a visit to Wajima, where some homes and vehicles were crushed under crumbling concrete. Due to early evacuation warnings and tsunami predictions, most of the town's 23,000 residents had evacuated, and now the place resembles a ghost town.