In the aftermath of the 7.5-magnitude earthquake that struck Wajima on New Year’s Day, search and rescue operations are underway, with dedicated teams, including Japanese troops and trained rescue dogs, tirelessly working to locate survivors amid the wreckage.
A large black dog named Elsa, renowned for her search and rescue capabilities, was brought to Wajima by Yasuhiro Morita from a training center 500 kilometers away in the Tottori region. Trained to detect bodies in rubble and signal by barking, Elsa was actively involved in the search for an elderly woman potentially trapped under the debris of her home. The crowd anxiously watched the efforts, hoping for positive outcomes.
Yasuhiro Morita described Elsa as “the best of the best in western Japan.” However, another rescue dog named Jennifer also made a significant contribution, as announced by the defense minister, who reported the successful extraction of an elderly woman from the rubble.
The earthquake’s impact has been severe, with aftershocks, landslides, fires, and a tsunami causing widespread devastation in Ishikawa on the Sea of Japan coast. The death toll has reached 92, with 242 individuals reported missing as of Friday.
Wajima resident Hiroyuki Hamatani shared his experience of the quake, describing walls crumbling, doors collapsing, and the challenging living conditions in its aftermath. Scarce supplies and the fear of potential aftershocks further contribute to the uncertainty faced by survivors.
Approaching Wajima reveals blocked tunnels, barren mountain surfaces, and flattened houses lining the route. The once vibrant city, known for its artisan lacquerware, now confronts the shocking aftermath of the disaster.
Among the heartbreaking scenes, an imposing seven-story building lies on its side, fallen utility poles obstruct paths, and a soldier’s desperate call for responses echoes through the twisted wreckage. The market area, where 200 structures burned down, now stands as a charred landscape with burned-out cars and houses dislodged from their foundations.
Residents, such as Shinichi Hirano, express profound sadness witnessing the destruction of cherished places and childhood memories. An 80-year-old man, surveying the desolation, encapsulates the sentiment, stating, “There is no trace left. It’s just like war.” Even after three days, faint columns of smoke serve as a grim reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by the resilient community in Wajima.
