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The recent devastating 7.6 magnitude earthquake that struck Japan's Noto peninsula on New Year's Day has plunged the region into a dire search-and-rescue race against the clock. The critical 72-hour window for finding survivors has closed, with at least 82 lives lost and hundreds still trapped under collapsed homes, predominantly in Suzu and Wajima.

The aftermath has been staggering—tens of thousands endure power and water shortages, while many remain isolated due to landslides and blocked roads. Japan's Prime Minister, Fumio Kishida, emphasized the urgency, urging exhaustive efforts to save lives amidst the immense challenges faced by rescuers.

However, this catastrophe has also reignited concerns about Japan's nuclear power plans. The earthquake rattled the region just after regulators greenlit Tokyo Electric's Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear plant, raising fresh doubts about the safety of nuclear facilities in a seismic hotspot.

Despite Japan's strides in earthquake-resistant building regulations since 1981, the quake's impact on older wooden homes in Wajima exposed vulnerabilities. This event underscores Japan's ongoing vulnerability to seismic activity despite its stringent measures.

As the nation mourns the lives lost and grapples with the aftermath, it confronts a critical juncture—balancing the imperative to rescue and rebuild with the ongoing debate about the safety and necessity of nuclear power