Elderly Woman miraculously rescued from debris after Japan earthquake, five days on

A 90-year-old woman has been found alive under the rubble five days after a powerful earthquake struck central Japan. The woman was discovered in the wreckage of a two-storey building in the town of Suzu. The 7.5-magnitude earthquake hit the Japan Sea coast, causing severe damage to towns on the remote Noto peninsula. Over 120 people have been confirmed dead and 200 are still missing. Rescuers were alerted to the woman's location after receiving information that two women were trapped. The elderly woman was found responsive but suffering from hypothermia. Another woman in her 40s was also found in a critical condition. The rescue operation was considered crucial as the first 72 hours are the most vital for finding survivors. Helicopters are being used by Japan's Self-Defense Forces to conduct rescue missions and deliver supplies, as many roads are blocked. However, rescue efforts may be hindered by the forecasted wet weather and potential landslides. More than 30,000 people are currently being housed in government shelters, and thousands of households are still without electricity or running water. The governor of Ishikawa prefecture emphasized the severity of the situation and warned that it would take a long time to restore water services due to damaged pipes. Japan is known for its frequent seismic activity, and the Noto area has experienced an increase in earthquakes since the end of 2020.