Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated that a magnitude 7.1 earthquake hit the Kumamoto area on Kyushu’s southern main island, resulting in 13 confirmed deaths. Rescue efforts are ongoing to locate missing individuals following the powerful quake on Tuesday.
Takaichi emphasized the urgency of rescuing those still trapped, expressing determination to save as many people as possible. She extended condolences to the victims and advised those affected by the earthquake to prioritize their well-being in the hot weather.
The Japan Self Defense Forces collaborated with rescue teams to aid in search and rescue operations at a severely damaged shopping mall, providing essential supplies to the affected regions. The Aeon Mall in Kashima Town suffered structural damage, trapping individuals on the second floor, while the Nippon Paper Industries Co.’s Yatsushiro factory had a chimney collapse, leading to people being trapped under debris.
Approximately 900 kilometers southwest of Tokyo, the impacted area reported no significant damage to major public facilities or infrastructure, with nearby nuclear power plants showing no abnormalities, according to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency and the Nuclear Regulation Authority, respectively.
Kyodo News reported that a hospital in Yatsushiro received around 40 injured individuals, with another 50 taken to a hospital in Kumamoto city. Although many manufacturers in Kyushu halted operations temporarily, no major damages were reported, and plans were made to resume work the following day.
The Aso Kumamoto Airport’s runway remained closed, awaiting updates on when operations would resume. Residents were advised to remain cautious for the next few days due to potential aftershocks, as indicated by Shinji Kiyomoto from the Japan Meteorological Agency.
Instances of the earthquake’s impact included a derailed train at Yatsushiro station, damage to stone walls at Kumamoto Castle – a prominent tourist spot still under repair from the 2016 earthquake, which claimed at least 50 lives. Hiroki Shimoda from Mifune town hall recalled the fear evoked by the tremors, reminiscent of the devastating 2016 Kumamoto quake.
