A New Year’s Day earthquake measuring 7.5 on the Richter scale ripped through Japan’s Noto Peninsula, leaving a trail of death and destruction in its wake. Over 60 lives were tragically lost, with hundreds of homes and buildings reduced to rubble. The valiant efforts of Japanese rescue crews continue as they race against time to find survivors and reach isolated communities, all while facing the looming threat of landslides brought on by heavy rains. Here, through a poignant collection of images, we capture a glimpse of the ongoing rescue efforts and the widespread devastation that grips the region.

Kyodo / Reuters

Kyodo / Reuters

Kim Kyung-Hoon / Reuters

JIJI Press / AFP / Getty

JIJI Press / AFP / Getty

Hiro Komae / AP

JIJI Press / AFP / Getty

Fred Mery / AFP / Getty

Fred Mery / AFP / Getty

Kazuhiro Nogi / AFP / Getty

Buddhika Weerasinghe / Getty

JIJI Press / AFP / Getty

Hiro Komae / AP

Kyodo / Reuters

JIJI Press / AFP / Getty

Japanese Ministry of Defense / AP

Hiro Komae / AP
Source: The Atlantic