Japan Earthquake Death Toll Climbs to 13 as Rescue Teams Search for Survivors

KUMAMOTO, Japan, July 29: Rescue operations continued on Wednesday in southwestern Japan after a powerful earthquake killed at least 13 people and left several others missing. Soldiers and emergency workers searched through collapsed buildings, damaged homes, and a shopping mall as authorities raced against time to locate survivors trapped under debris.

The magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck the Kumamoto region on Japan’s southern main island of Kyushu, causing widespread damage to infrastructure and disrupting transportation services.

A day after the disaster, rescue teams were still assessing the full scale of destruction while emergency officials warned that more people could remain trapped in affected areas.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said the government was making every possible effort to save those still waiting for help.

“There are people who are still waiting to be rescued, and it’s a race against time,” Takaichi said. “We will go all out to find and rescue as many people as we can.”

Thousands Evacuated as Infrastructure Suffers Damage

The earthquake disrupted daily life across the region, leaving tens of thousands of residents without essential services.

Government spokesperson Minoru Kihara said around 36,900 homes were without electricity, while nearly 9,500 households had lost gas connections. Communication networks were also disrupted in several locations.

More than 9,000 residents moved into over 500 evacuation centres following the earthquake. Authorities were working to improve conditions at shelters, including installing additional power sources to provide air conditioning amid Japan’s ongoing heat wave.

Temperatures in the affected areas were expected to rise above 32 degrees Celsius, increasing concerns about the health and safety of displaced residents, especially elderly people and children.

Search Operations Continue at Collapsed Shopping Mall

Japan’s Self-Defence Forces joined emergency teams in rescue operations at the heavily damaged Aeon Mall in Kashima.

Officials said part of the shopping centre’s second floor collapsed following an explosion believed to have been caused by a gas leak. Several people were trapped after the incident, though authorities had not confirmed the exact number of missing individuals.

Rescue workers carefully searched through the damaged structure as fears grew that more victims could be buried beneath the rubble.

Factory Collapse Adds to Rescue Challenges

Another major rescue operation was underway at the Nippon Paper Industries Co.’s Yatsushiro factory, where a collapsed chimney trapped workers under debris.

According to local emergency officials, seven people were feared trapped at the site as rescue teams continued their efforts.

Authorities confirmed that two survivors and two bodies had been recovered from the factory area.

The incident added further pressure on emergency teams already managing multiple rescue operations across the earthquake-hit region.

Government Promises Support for Affected Areas

Prime Minister Takaichi said the central government was preparing emergency supplies, including food and other essential materials, for communities severely affected by the disaster.

She expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and urged residents to remain cautious while dealing with extreme weather conditions.

Officials also advised people staying in evacuation centres to take precautions against heat-related illnesses as temperatures remained high.

Transport Services Remain Disrupted

The earthquake caused major disruptions to transportation networks in the region.

The Kyushu Shinkansen bullet train service remained suspended on Wednesday as authorities inspected railway infrastructure for damage.

Aso Kumamoto Airport resumed partial operations after one runway was closed following the earthquake. However, officials warned that some flights could still face cancellations.

Transportation authorities said restoration efforts would continue after safety inspections were completed.

Kumamoto Castle Damaged Again After Previous Earthquake

The historic Kumamoto Castle, one of the region’s major tourist attractions, suffered damage during the latest earthquake.

Stone walls at the castle were damaged, according to local reports. The landmark had already suffered severe destruction during the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake and was still undergoing restoration work.

Residents said the latest tremors brought back memories of the earlier disaster that claimed at least 50 lives.

“The shaking reminded me of the Kumamoto quake 10 years ago and I was frightened,” said Hiroki Shimoda, an official in Mifune town.

He said roof tiles from nearby houses fell during the earthquake, highlighting the intensity of the shaking.

Japan Continues Disaster Response Efforts

Japan, one of the world’s most earthquake-prone countries, has developed advanced disaster management systems due to its frequent exposure to seismic activity.

However, officials said the priority remained rescuing missing people, providing shelter to displaced residents, and restoring essential services in affected communities.

As emergency crews continue searching damaged areas, authorities warned that the final impact of the earthquake could become clearer only after rescue and assessment operations are completed.