Daijiworld Media Network – Tokyo
Tokyo, Jul 29: At least 13 people have been confirmed dead after a powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck Japan's southwestern Kumamoto region, with search and rescue teams continuing efforts to locate those still trapped under debris.
The earthquake struck late Tuesday afternoon on the southern island of Kyushu, around 900 km southwest of Tokyo, causing widespread damage to buildings and infrastructure.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi expressed condolences to the families of the victims and said rescue teams were working against time to save those still missing.
"There are people who are still waiting to be rescued, and it's a race against time. We will do everything possible to find and rescue as many people as we can," she said.
The Prime Minister said personnel from the Self-Defence Forces had joined rescue operations and were supplying drinking water, food and other essential relief materials to the worst-affected areas.
According to emergency officials, several people were trapped after the second floor of the Aeon Mall in Kashima Town collapsed. At the Nippon Paper Industries' Yatsushiro factory, a chimney collapsed, burying workers under debris.
Around 40 injured people were admitted to a hospital in Yatsushiro, while another 50 were taken to a hospital in Kumamoto city, according to Kyodo News.
The earthquake also disrupted transport services. A train derailed and overturned at Yatsushiro station, while operations at Aso Kumamoto Airport were suspended. Kumamoto Castle, which had been undergoing restoration after the devastating 2016 earthquake, sustained fresh damage to its stone walls.
Residents recalled the terrifying experience, with many saying the tremors were reminiscent of the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake.
Authorities said there were no reports of major damage to public infrastructure, while the Nuclear Regulation Authority confirmed that no abnormalities had been detected at three nearby nuclear power plants.
The Japan Meteorological Agency has warned residents to remain alert for strong aftershocks over the next two to three days.