- Powerful earthquake struck southwestern Japan on Tuesday, killing at least 18 people.
- The death toll climbs to 23 as search and rescue operations continue.
- Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara reports a higher death toll at 28.
- The earthquake had a magnitude of 7.1 and struck the southern main island of Kyushu.
- At least 63 people were injured, five of them seriously, according to the Kumamoto prefectural government.
- Nearly 23,000 homes were still without electricity and more than 10,000 people were staying in roughly 400 shelters.
- The Ministry of Environment issued a heat stroke alert for the Kumamoto area, with temperatures expected to reach as high as 33 C (91 F).
- The most serious damage occurred at the Aeon Mall shopping center in the town of Kashima.
A powerful 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck Kumamoto prefecture in southwestern Japan on Tuesday, resulting in a rising death toll of 23 people and injuring 63 others, with five in serious condition.
Rescue operations are ongoing, particularly after a chimney collapse at a Nippon Paper Industries factory.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara reported a higher death toll of 28 as search efforts continue.3
Nearly 23,000 homes remain without electricity, and over 10,000 people are currently sheltered in approximately 400 shelters, where air conditioning is being provided due to rising temperatures.
The Ministry of Environment has issued a heat stroke alert for the Kumamoto area, with temperatures expected to reach as high as 33°C (91°F) on Thursday.7
The quake caused significant damage, particularly at the Aeon Mall shopping center in Kashima, which was crowded when the earthquake struck.8
Time is running out for rescuers as they work tirelessly to find survivors in the aftermath of this devastating event.
“The magnitude 7.1 earthquake has left at least 63 people injured, with five suffering serious injuries, according to the Kumamoto prefectural government. Additionally, nearly 23,000 homes remain without electricity, and over 10,000 people are currently staying in shelters as temperatures soar to 33 C (91 F).”
AP News
