Japan's Kyushu region has endured more than 100 aftershocks since a major earthquake struck on Tuesday, claiming at least 13 lives and leaving several others in critical condition.
The quake, which registered a magnitude of 7.1 by Japan Meteorological Agency and 6.8 by the US Geological Survey, hit Kumamoto prefecture at 16:27 local time. Its epicenter was shallow, approximately 10 km deep and 20 km south of Kumamoto city.
Impact and Rescue Efforts
The earthquake caused severe damage, including the partial collapse of the Aeon Mall in Kashima where an explosion occurred shortly after the tremor. Three people died in the mall incident, with several others hospitalized or unaccounted for. Rescue teams are actively searching through rubble at both the mall and a paper factory in Yatsushiro City, where casualties and missing persons have also been reported.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi emphasized the urgency of rescue operations, describing it as a "race against time". Over 4,600 personnel have been deployed to assist survivors amid challenging conditions, including temperatures reaching 35°C, which raise concerns about heatstroke risks.
Precautions and Warnings
The Japan Meteorological Agency has urged residents to remain vigilant for strong aftershocks, warning that seismic activity with intensity up to level 7 could continue over the next week, especially within the initial two to three days.
Infrastructure damage includes cracked roads, bridges, fires, and widespread power outages. Train services have been suspended, and thousands remain without electricity. Local authorities have distributed air conditioning units to affected areas to help mitigate heat-related health risks during ongoing recovery efforts.
Personal Accounts
Residents and visitors described the quake as the most severe experienced in decades. Hiroko Ogata, a 75-year-old Yatsushiro City resident, recounted her fear during the sudden jolt, while American tourist Chantel Mohar spoke of the chaotic moments on a tourist bus as the earthquake struck.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as rescue operations proceed and communities cope with the aftermath of this devastating natural disaster.
