TOKYO — Emergency responders and military personnel in Japan are racing against time to locate survivors following a powerful magnitude 7.1 earthquake that struck Kumamoto Prefecture on southern Kyushu island.
At least 13 fatalities have been confirmed, with hundreds more injured and dozens reported missing. The earthquake, which struck at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers, triggered structural collapses, widespread power outages, and localized fires across the region.
Rescue operations are heavily focused on the town of Kashima, where a partial collapse and a suspected gas explosion at the Aeon Mall Kumamoto left multiple people trapped under rubble. Around 3,600 Japan Self-Defense Forces personnel have been deployed alongside firefighters and police to assist with clearing debris and distributing essential supplies.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi confirmed that the government has set up an emergency task force to coordinate relief efforts. “There are still people awaiting rescue, and time is of the essence,” Takaichi stated, urging rescue teams to mobilize all available resources.
A temporary tsunami advisory issued for the Ariake and Yatsushiro seas was canceled after no major waves materialized. However, officials warn residents to remain alert for potential strong aftershocks in the coming days.