Earthquakes Devastate Japan’s West Coast, , Killing at Least 48.<br />A series of strong earthquakes struck western <br />Japan on New Year's Day, NBC News reports. .<br />Officials in the Ishikawa prefecture <br />said that at least 48 people were killed, <br />while another 16 were severely injured.<br />Officials in the Ishikawa prefecture <br />said that at least 48 people were killed, <br />while another 16 were severely injured.<br />The Japanese government's death and <br />injury tallies, reported by spokesperson <br />Yoshimasa Hayashi, were slightly different.<br />However, the damage is reportedly so <br />extensive that an accurate assessment <br />cannot be easily attained at this time. .<br />Water, electricity and cellphone service <br />continue to be affected in some areas.<br />On Jan. 2, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida <br />said that 1,000 soldiers have been <br />dispatched to aid rescue efforts. .<br />On Jan. 2, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida <br />said that 1,000 soldiers have been <br />dispatched to aid rescue efforts. .<br />Saving lives is our priority and we <br />are fighting a battle against time. <br />It is critical that people trapped in <br />homes get rescued immediately, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, via statement.<br />Nuclear regulators claim that the <br />nuclear plants in the area are <br />still operating normally. .<br />All tsunami warnings have been lifted.<br />Officials warn that additional quakes could <br />occur in the next few days, NBC reports. .<br />Officials warn that additional quakes could <br />occur in the next few days, NBC reports. .<br />President Joe Biden said, "My administration is in touch with <br />Japanese officials, and the United States stands ready to <br />provide any necessary assistance for the Japanese people.".<br />President Joe Biden said, "My administration is in touch with <br />Japanese officials, and the United States stands ready to <br />provide any necessary assistance for the Japanese people."
