Japan earthquake: At least 13 dead, survivors recount shock and horror
A 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck Kumamoto prefecture late Tuesday, killing at least 13 people and trapping dozens. Survivors describe violent tremors and ongoing aftershocks hampering recovery.
A powerful earthquake measuring 6.8 magnitude hit southwestern Japan late Tuesday, leaving at least 13 dead and dozens feared trapped in a collapsed shopping mall. The quake, centered near Kumamoto city, caused severe shaking that caught many off guard.
Hiroko Ogata, 75, co-owner of a diner in Yatsushiro, said the building suddenly lurched, sending shelves and glassware crashing to the floor. "I was surprised, and scared," she told the BBC. She dove under a table, which moved sharply side to side with her. Having lived in the area her whole life, Ogata said the 2016 earthquakes that killed 277 people were nothing compared to this. "I thought I would die."
At the Aeon shopping mall in Kumamoto city, three fatalities have been confirmed, with dozens still believed trapped. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi described rescue efforts as a "race against time" and deployed 4,600 personnel. However, tens of thousands are without power and water, and at least 45 medical facilities have been damaged.
Near the mall, cake shop owner Yui (name changed) was in her back office when the quake struck. "I couldn't tell which was the sound of the earthquake and which was the sound of the explosion," she said. "All I could do was hold the chair." Still in shock, she added, "I didn't know what to feel."
The tremors caused significant structural damage: the outer walls of Kumamoto Castle collapsed, and the worship hall of Yatsushiro Shrine fell entirely. Aftershocks continue to rattle the region, hampering clean-up efforts. "When I try to work for a bit, an aftershock occurs and I have to stop," Ogata said. "If we keep having this many aftershocks it will be very stressful." Yui's shop remains closed as she assesses damage to equipment.
