Rescuers race against time in search for survivors in Japan after powerful quakes leave 73 dead

By HIRO KOMAE, RICHARD COLOMBO and YURI KAGEYAMA
Associated Press

SUZU, Japan (AP) — Japanese rescuers are searching urgently through rubble for survivors ahead of predicted bitter cold and heavy rain, in what the prime minister calls a race against time after powerful earthquakes killed at least 73 people in western Japan. Fifteen more people are listed as missing and possibly trapped under collapsed buildings. Ishikawa prefecture and nearby areas were shaken by more aftershocks on Wednesday, adding to the dozens that followed a magnitude 7.6 temblor that struck on Monday. Experts say the first 72 hours are critical for rescues because the prospects for survival greatly diminish after that. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida told reporters on Wednesday: “More than 40 hours have passed. This is a race against time.”