Key facts
- A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck southwestern Japan on Tuesday.
- At least 23 people have died and 63 have been injured.
- Rescue efforts are underway to find survivors.
- The earthquake caused significant damage to buildings and infrastructure.
- Thousands of people have been evacuated to temporary shelters.
A powerful magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck southwestern Japan on Tuesday, causing widespread destruction and claiming at least 23 lives, according to the Kumamoto prefectural government. Rescuers are engaged in a critical race against time to find survivors amidst the debris, with the total number of missing individuals still unclear. The quake left at least 63 people injured, five of them seriously.
The seismic event triggered an explosion at a mall, toppled a factory chimney, and flattened numerous homes in the Kumamoto area on Kyushu island. The Japanese military has mobilized 3,600 personnel and 20 aircraft to aid in disaster relief and damage assessment. Hundreds of first responders from neighboring prefectures have also been deployed.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi emphasized the urgency of the rescue operations, stating, "There are people who are still waiting to be rescued, and it’s a race against time." The government has reported extensive damage, including power outages and fires, affecting roads, bridges, and buildings. Over 9,000 people have sought refuge in 506 evacuation centers across five prefectures.
The Japan Meteorological Agency has warned that areas experiencing the strongest tremors remain at risk of further significant earthquakes and landslides for approximately a week. More than 60 aftershocks, ranging in magnitude from 1 to 4, had been recorded by Wednesday morning. Despite the intensity of the quake, Japan's strict construction standards have helped mitigate the number of building collapses and casualties.