The crashed buildings in Wajima city, Ishikawa prefecture after the earthquake. (Photo: KYODO/VNA)

As of Saturday morning, more than 100 people were killed in due to the earthquake while more than 200 others are still missing.  Around 23,800 households were without electricity in the Ishikawa region and over 66,000 households were without water supply. Wajima city officials said there are about 100 locations where people are still trapped under ruined buildings and waiting to be rescued.

There is no overall assessment of the damage after the earthquake. Cut off roads and bad weather significantly hindered rescue efforts that are racing against time. The Japan Meteorological Agency predicts that heavy rain in this area will last until Sunday.