At Least 13 Killed in Devastating Earthquake in Japan
A 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck southwestern Japan on Tuesday, killing at least 13 people and leaving tens of thousands of homes without power.
A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.1 hit Kumamoto Prefecture on Kyushu Island on Tuesday afternoon, causing widespread damage and claiming at least 13 lives, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced on Wednesday.
“Thirteen people have died,” Takaichi told reporters, adding that extensive damage has been confirmed, including collapsed buildings, fires, and damaged roads. Officials are still verifying whether all deaths were directly caused by the quake. Rescue teams are working to reach survivors who may be trapped under debris.
Among the victims were two women in a supermarket in Kashima city and three others elsewhere, according to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency. Seven people were seriously injured. The supermarket was destroyed by a gas explosion that occurred after customers and staff had been evacuated, triggering a fire that collapsed the ceiling and walls. Eight people were rescued from the store, five of whom were injured.
The earthquake also damaged a paper mill operated by Nippon Paper Industries in Yatsushiro city, toppling its chimney, and local authorities reported nine people missing. As of Wednesday morning, 36,880 households and businesses in Kumamoto Prefecture were without electricity. Many roads were closed, and bullet train services were suspended. Kumamoto Airport was shut for several hours before reopening Tuesday evening.
The Japan Self-Defense Forces have deployed 3,600 soldiers for rescue operations and sent 20 aircraft to assess damage from the air.
