Photo/Illutration Self-Defense Forces personnel search through the rubble in Wajima, Ishikawa Prefecture, on Jan. 13. (Jin Nishioka)

WAJIMA, Ishikawa Prefecture--Authorities said 250 junior high school students in this quake-hit city had agreed to collectively evacuate about 100 kilometers to the south so they can study in safety, albeit away from their families.

Of the 401 students enrolled at three city-run junior high schools, 151 had passed up on the chance as of Jan. 13 to evacuate to two prefectural educational facilities in Hakusan, Ishikawa Prefecture, city officials said.

Teachers and school officials will also relocate to those facilities that offer accommodation. 

Prefectural and city officials pledged to ensure that students who remain in Wajima can also continue to receive a proper education.

Prefectural authorities said two other quake-hit municipalities, Suzu and Noto, are also discussing similar mass evacuation programs for junior high school students with the prefectural government.

As of 2 p.m. on Jan. 13, officials confirmed 220 deaths from the Jan. 1 earthquake. The figure includes deaths not directly caused by the magnitude-7.6 quake.

Officials said there were 98 casualties in Suzu and 88 in Wajima. The remaining 34 were spread across five other municipalities.

More than 20,000 people have evacuated to designated evacuation centers in more than 400 locations as well as other facilities, officials said. They added that some hotels and inns have opened their doors to evacuees.

A total of 793 people were stranded in 15 districts in Wajima, Suzu and Noto.

Related News