Japanese rescue teams are racing against time to locate survivors trapped beneath collapsed buildings after a powerful earthquake struck the country’s south-western Kumamoto Prefecture, leaving at least 13 people dead.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said emergency responders are in a “race against time” as search-and-rescue operations continue at two of the hardest-hit locations—the collapsed Aeon Mall in Kashima town and the Nippon Paper factory in Yatsushiro. More than 4,600 emergency personnel, including police officers, firefighters, and Self-Defence Forces, have been deployed to the disaster zone.
The earthquake struck at about 4:27 p.m. local time on Tuesday. Japan’s Meteorological Agency measured the quake at magnitude 7.1, while the U.S. Geological Survey recorded it at magnitude 6.8.
Widespread Damage
The powerful tremor caused extensive destruction across Kumamoto Prefecture, damaging homes, businesses and historic landmarks. Among the affected sites are the centuries-old Yatshushiro Shrine and sections of Kumamoto Castle, both of which sustained significant structural damage.
Authorities said an explosion occurred at the Aeon Mall about an hour after the earthquake, further complicating rescue efforts. The shopping complex, which had recently reopened following reconstruction from the devastating 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes, remains one of the primary search locations.
Survivors Recall Terrifying Moments
Residents described scenes of panic as the earthquake violently shook buildings and sent household items crashing to the floor.
Hiroko Ogata, a 75-year-old restaurant owner in Yatsushiro City, said it was the most powerful earthquake she had experienced in her lifetime.
She recalled taking shelter beneath a table as bowls and glassware shattered around her, adding that she feared she would not survive the ordeal. Despite ongoing aftershocks, she has begun cleaning up her restaurant in hopes of reopening soon.
Other residents said the violent shaking reminded them of the deadly 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes, which claimed more than 270 lives.
Thousands Evacuated
Officials have opened hundreds of evacuation centres to shelter displaced residents, with thousands forced from their homes. Authorities are also warning rescuers and evacuees to guard against heatstroke, as temperatures in the region are expected to reach 35°C during ongoing recovery efforts.
Rescue operations remain underway as emergency workers continue searching damaged buildings for anyone still trapped beneath the rubble.
