Powerful Earthquake Devastates Japan’s Kyushu, Death Toll Climbs to 13

Darwin, 29 July : The death toll from the powerful earthquake that struck Japan’s southwestern Kyushu region has risen to 13, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi confirmed. Authorities warned that the number could increase as rescue operations continue in several collapsed buildings.

The 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture on Kyushu Island at 4:27 p.m. local time on Tuesday. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), the epicenter was located about 20 kilometers beneath the sea off the coast of Kumamoto. The shallow depth of the quake caused intense ground shaking across the region, with Kumamoto suffering the worst damage.

A shopping mall in Kumamoto partially collapsed during the earthquake. Witnesses said the building’s second floor gave way as the tremors struck. About an hour later, an explosion occurred at the mall, which officials believe was caused by a gas leak. Two women in their 20s were found dead in the rubble, while many others remain missing.

Authorities also reported that several people are missing after the chimney of a factory collapsed during the quake. Rescue teams worked through the night, recovering 13 bodies by Wednesday morning, while search operations remain underway.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday night, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said rescue teams were racing against time to save those trapped beneath the debris.

“Every moment is critical. We will use every available resource to rescue those still trapped,” she said.

The earthquake severely damaged power infrastructure in Kumamoto, leaving more than 36,000 homes without electricity. Roads across the prefecture have also suffered extensive damage, with cracks reported on nearly every major route.

Residents remain on alert for aftershocks, a common occurrence following major earthquakes, and many have taken shelter at evacuation centers.

Meanwhile, city officials warned that prolonged power outages combined with temperatures reaching 34°C have increased the risk of heatstroke for thousands of residents.