- At least 13 people have been killed and many reported missing after the earthquake struck the Kumamoto area on the southern main island of Kyushu with a magnitude of 7.1, according to the Japan meteorological agency.
- Emergency workers are continuing their search for survivors in southern Japan after yesterday’s powerful earthquake left widespread devastation, with buildings collapsed, roads severely damaged and emergency teams digging through rubble.
- Eight people were pulled from the rubble of a partially collapsed Aeon shopping centre near the city of Kumamoto following an apparent explosion that occurred around an hour after the earthquake.
- Nearly 37,000 homes were still without electricity, 9,500 homes were without gas and communication networks were not working in some areas, chief government spokesperson Minoru Kihara told reporters.
- The Japanese prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, said rescue workers faced a “race against time” to reach more people still trapped in rubble.
Rescue efforts are ongoing in Japan's Kumamoto prefecture after a 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck the region, resulting in at least 13 fatalities and widespread destruction. Emergency workers are engaged in a race against time to locate survivors trapped in the rubble of collapsed buildings.2
The earthquake, which hit the Kumamoto area on the southern main island of Kyushu, has left nearly 37,000 homes without power, with 9,500 homes also lacking gas. Communication networks are down in several areas, complicating rescue efforts, according to chief government spokesperson Minoru Kihara.4
In a notable incident, eight individuals were rescued from the rubble of a partially collapsed Aeon shopping center near Kumamoto following an explosion that occurred shortly after the earthquake. The Japanese Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that rescue teams are working tirelessly to reach those still trapped.5
As emergency services continue their search, the full extent of the damage is still being assessed, with reports of severe road damage and additional buildings at risk of collapse.
“Japanese prime minister Sanae Takaichi emphasized that rescue workers are in a 'race against time' to reach those still trapped in rubble. Chief government spokesperson Minoru Kihara reported that nearly 37,000 homes remain without electricity, and communication networks are down in some areas, complicating rescue efforts.”
The Guardian
