Japan earthquake toll climbs as rescue teams dig through rubble
A powerful 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck southern Japan on Tuesday, and the death toll has now risen to at least 13 people. Rescue workers continue their urgent search through damaged buildings in Kumamoto prefecture, especially around a partially collapsed shopping mall where an apparent explosion tore through the structure about an hour after the initial jolt.
Eight people were pulled from the wreckage of the Aeon mall near Kumamoto City. Among them were two women in their twenties who did not survive. Authorities say around 20 to 30 mall workers remain unaccounted for. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stressed the urgency of the moment, noting that people are still waiting to be rescued and every minute counts. More than 4,500 soldiers have been deployed across the region to support recovery efforts.
Investigators are looking into a possible gas leak at the mall. Rescuers reported smelling gas inside the damaged building, though the exact cause is still under review. At a nearby Nippon Paper Industries factory, seven people are missing after a chimney collapsed, and four others suffered serious injuries. Hospitals across the area are treating dozens of patients, with some facilities already stretched thin after power outages and a sudden influx of injured people.
Around 260,000 residents were told to head to evacuation centers. Police received hundreds of emergency calls reporting collapsed structures and people trapped. The epicenter sat roughly 20 kilometers south of Kumamoto City, a place that still remembers a deadly quake from a decade ago. Officials have warned residents to stay alert for further strong aftershocks and possible landslides in the coming week.
More than 36,000 homes remain without power as temperatures climb near 34 degrees Celsius, raising concerns about heat stroke. Several factories, including those run by major companies, temporarily halted operations. High-speed train services were also suspended after the jolt injured some passengers. Historic sites, including parts of the city’s castle and older shrines, suffered damage as well.
Rescue teams are working around the clock, focusing on areas where calls for help were heard. The situation remains fluid, and authorities continue to urge caution while they race to reach anyone still trapped.
