Earthquakes Devastate Japan’s West Coast, , Killing at Least 48.br A series of strong earthquakes struck western br Japan on New Year's Day, NBC News reports. .br Officials in the Ishikawa prefecture br said that at least 48 people were killed, br while another 16 were severely injured.br Officials in the Ishikawa prefecture br said that at least 48 people were killed, br while another 16 were severely injured.br The Japanese government's death and br injury tallies, reported by spokesperson br Yoshimasa Hayashi, were slightly different.br However, the damage is reportedly so br extensive that an accurate assessment br cannot be easily attained at this time. .br Water, electricity and cellphone service br continue to be affected in some areas.br On Jan. 2, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida br said that 1,000 soldiers have been br dispatched to aid rescue efforts. .br On Jan. 2, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida br said that 1,000 soldiers have been br dispatched to aid rescue efforts. .br Saving lives is our priority and we br are fighting a battle against time. br It is critical that people trapped in br homes get rescued immediately, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, via statement.br Nuclear regulators claim that the br nuclear plants in the area are br still operating normally. .br All tsunami warnings have been lifted.br Officials warn that additional quakes could br occur in the next few days, NBC reports. .br Officials warn that additional quakes could br occur in the next few days, NBC reports. .br President Joe Biden said, "My administration is in touch with br Japanese officials, and the United States stands ready to br provide any necessary assistance for the Japanese people.".br President Joe Biden said, "My administration is in touch with br Japanese officials, and the United States stands ready to br provide any necessary assistance for the Japanese people.