Key facts
- A 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck southern Japan's Kyushu island.
- At least 13 people were killed and hundreds injured.
- Numerous homes collapsed, particularly older structures.
- An explosion occurred at the Kumamoto Aeon mall.
- Rescue efforts are ongoing for those trapped or missing.
- Survivors described terrifying shaking and significant destruction.
A powerful 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck southern Japan's Kyushu island, causing widespread destruction and prompting urgent rescue efforts. The tremor, which registered the maximum intensity of 7 on the Japanese shindo scale in several areas, led to the collapse of numerous homes, particularly older structures in towns like Hikawa and Uki City.
Survivors recounted terrifying experiences, with one resident describing the lateral shaking as worse than a major earthquake a decade ago. Many people spent the night in their cars due to fear of aftershocks and the destruction of their homes, with concerns rising about heatstroke as temperatures were expected to reach 35C.
At least 13 people have been confirmed dead and hundreds injured. In the Kumamoto Aeon mall, an explosion occurred after the earthquake, trapping employees. A 16-year-old girl who evacuated the mall described being left struggling to breathe by dust and smoke. Up to 30 employees were initially reported trapped, with four still missing.
Rescue operations are in full swing, with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stating that finding survivors is a race against time. Volunteer firefighters and other rescue workers are working to reach those still trapped in collapsed buildings. The region is still recovering from the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake, which killed over 275 people, a memory that weighs heavily on residents.