Massive Search-and-Rescue Operation Concludes in Japan After Earthquake

In Kumamoto Prefecture, a dayslong search-and-rescue mission ended on Saturday after a powerful magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck earlier this week, resulting in the deaths of 34 people. The Aeon Mall in Kashima, a town on Japan’s southern main island of Kyushu, experienced severe damage. An explosion—believed to have been caused by a gas leak—followed the quake, leading to the collapse of the mall’s walls and a floor.

Approximately 3,000 shoppers evacuated to a parking lot when the quake hit, though some employees stayed inside. Rescuers managed to extract five individuals from the mall’s debris and recovered seven bodies over five days. Authorities declared all missing persons accounted for and concluded operations at the mall on Saturday.

Search efforts continue across the region, with no clear count of the missing. Thousands of Self Defense troops, police officers, rescue workers, and search dogs remain engaged in rescue tasks. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi emphasized the importance of thorough searches during a government task force meeting, urging rescuers not to abandon any potential victims.

In another critical incident within Kumamoto, a chimney collapse at Nippon Paper Industries factory in Yatsushiro city trapped 11 employees. Officials confirmed that nine of these workers died, while two were rescued.

The earthquake left 103 individuals injured in Kumamoto. Authorities are investigating two other deaths to determine if they were earthquake-related. The region faces ongoing challenges, particularly due to a shortage of fresh water affecting nearly 70,000 homes and a lack of fuel amid extreme heat. On Saturday, Kumamoto city recorded temperatures of 36.6 degrees Celsius (97.8 degrees Fahrenheit), described by the Japan Meteorological Agency as “extreme heat.”

Over 9,000 people remain in crowded shelters, such as community centers and school facilities, with others staying in cars or outdoors to maintain privacy. Concerns over sanitation and privacy conditions at emergency shelters persist, as experts warn of additional stress and potential health risks.

Efforts to improve conditions at evacuation centers are underway, with deliveries of water, food, portable toilets, air conditioners, and partitions. Prime Minister Takaichi reassured that the government remains committed to aiding affected communities.

Kumamoto authorities reported over 1,500 power loss notifications as of Saturday. However, the local power company confirmed no immediate outages. The earthquake destroyed more than 180 homes and damaged nearly 3,500 buildings, with assessments revealing about 20 particularly severe cases.