Powerful Earthquake Hits Kumamoto, Japan, Resulting in Fatalities
In Kumamoto, Japan, a magnitude 7.1 earthquake occurred on the southern main island of Kyushu, leading to tragic consequences. The quake struck late Tuesday afternoon, leaving 13 individuals dead and several others missing.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi confirmed the fatalities and stressed the urgency of rescue efforts. “There are people who are still waiting to be rescued, and it’s a race against time,” Takaichi stated. The prime minister also extended condolences to the victims’ families and advised residents to protect themselves amidst the ongoing hot weather.
The Japanese Self Defense Forces have joined local rescue operations. These efforts focus on a shopping mall that sustained significant damage. Teams are also working to deliver essential supplies, including water and food, to affected areas.
The earthquake caused the collapse of the second floor of the Aeon Mall in Kashima Town. The prefecture’s fire department is coordinating rescue operations for trapped individuals. An explosion, suspected to be from a gas leak, is under investigation by local officials.
In another incident, a chimney collapse at the Nippon Paper Industries Co.’s Yatsushiro factory resulted in individuals being trapped beneath debris. By Wednesday, two survivors and the bodies of two victims had been recovered. Reports indicate seven people were still trapped.
This disaster occurred about 900 kilometers southwest of Tokyo. The Nuclear Regulation Authority reported no irregularities at the nearby nuclear plants. Hospitals have treated around 90 injured individuals in Yatsushiro and Kumamoto.
Major manufacturers across Kyushu paused operations but planned to resume after ensuring no substantial damage. Additionally, Aso Kumamoto Airport’s runway remains closed.
Further impacts included a train derailment at Yatsushiro station and damage to Kumamoto Castle’s stone walls. This site is a notable tourist attraction, still undergoing repairs from a 2016 earthquake.
Hiroki Shimoda, an official in Mifune town, described the frightening experience and observed homes losing roof tiles. The earthquake in 2016 also severely affected Kumamoto, resulting in over 50 fatalities.
With the possibility of aftershocks, Shinji Kiyomoto from the Japan Meteorological Agency urged residents to maintain caution over the coming days.