Authorities have confirmed 281 fatalities and three people are still listed as missing following the most powerful earthquake in Japan since 2011. The disaster left 1,300 people injured across six prefectures, prompting discussions about utilizing car ferries for emergency relief efforts while specialist ships are being commissioned.
Yoko Tsukamoto, a professor at the Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, highlighted the need for hospital ships to assist during such disasters. She mentioned the challenges faced in providing medical care post-earthquake due to damaged infrastructure, emphasizing the importance of equipped hospital vessels like those operated by Mercy Ships and other nations for efficient relief efforts.
