Rescuers race against time in search for survivors in Japan after powerful quakes leave 62 dead

Rescue workers race against time to save dozens trapped under collapsed buildings after powerful earthquakes in western Japan kill 62 people.

Rescue workers and canine units urgently sifted through rubble on January 3 ahead of predicted freezing cold and heavy rain in what the Prime Minister called a race against time after powerful earthquakes in western Japan killed 62 people. Dozens are believed trapped under collapsed buildings.

Ishikawa prefecture and nearby areas were rattled by a 4.9 magnitude aftershock early on January 3 — one of the dozens of aftershocks that have followed Monday's shallow magnitude 7.6 temblor with an epicentre at Noto, Ishikawa prefecture, about 300 kilometres (185 miles) from Tokyo on the opposite coast. The shaking set off tsunami warnings, followed by waves measuring more than 1 metre (3 feet) in some places.

The first 72 hours are especially critical, experts say, because the prospects for survival greatly diminish after three days.

“More than 40 hours have passed. This is a race against time, and I feel that we are at a critical moment,” Prime Minister Fumio Kishida told reporters. “We have received reports many people are still waiting for rescue under collapsed buildings.”

Noto’s narrow peninsula landscape has added to the challenges in reaching some communities. Water, power and cell phone service were still down in some areas.

“Hardly any of the homes are standing. They are either partially or totally destroyed,” said Masuhiro Izumiya, the Mayor of neighbouring Suzu city, which suffered heavy damage.

Relief officials handed out water, blankets, food and other supplies. Search dogs joined military personnel and firefighters trying to find and rescue dozens of people who are thought to be trapped, although the exact number is unclear.