Live updates: At least 13 people killed in Japan earthquake, prime minister says
Rescue operations are underway in Japan’s Kumamoto prefecture following a 6.8-magnitude earthquake that struck on Tuesday. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated that emergency teams are working through the night to reach individuals trapped in partially collapsed buildings, including the Aeon Mall Kumamoto where reports indicate a gas explosion occurred after the initial tremors.
Local authorities report at least 13 confirmed deaths as of Wednesday morning. More than 3,600 military personnel have mobilized to assist local police and fire departments in the search and rescue effort. Facilities including hospitals and factories, such as the Nippon paper mill in Yatsushiro, sustained significant structural damage. Hospitals in the region are managing a surge of patients while navigating power outages and high temperatures, which have forced medical staff to relocate those requiring stable conditions.
The earthquake has caused widespread disruption across the region. Transportation is severely affected, with rail services suspended and Kumamoto airport canceling flights. Approximately 46,000 households initially lost power, though utility crews are working to restore service. Authorities are cautioning residents that aftershocks remain a significant risk for the coming days.
This event impacts a region previously devastated by major earthquakes in 2016. Historical sites, including Kumamoto Castle, have suffered additional damage during this latest disaster. The government has pledged to provide essential supplies, including water, food, and portable cooling units, to support the affected communities as temperatures are expected to reach over 90 degrees Fahrenheit.