"Japanese Rescue Efforts Intensify Amid Rising Death Toll in Earthquake Aftermath"

Japan is in a critical race against time as rescue teams work tirelessly to find survivors of the New Year's Day earthquake that has claimed at least 81 lives. The 72-hour survival window is closing, with efforts hindered by damaged roads and infrastructure, making it difficult to deliver essential aid to the 11,000 evacuees in Wajima city. The government has increased the number of Self-Defence Force members for rescue operations and is delivering aid by sea due to the damaged roads. Businesses are assessing the quake's impact on production, while the Tokyo Stock Exchange held a minute of silence in respect for the victims. The government has pledged approximately $28 million for disaster relief.