Post by : Badri Ariffin

A powerful earthquake that struck Japan's southwestern region has killed at least 13 people, left several others missing, and caused widespread destruction across the southern island of Kyushu. Rescue teams, soldiers, and emergency workers continued searching for survivors on Wednesday as officials warned that every hour was critical.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said rescue operations were focused on the worst-hit areas and stressed the urgency of finding people still trapped under damaged buildings and collapsed homes.

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

The Prime Minister also expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and urged residents in affected areas to protect themselves from the extreme heat.

Thousands Without Power and Basic Services

The earthquake caused major disruptions to electricity, gas, transport, and communication services.

Chief government spokesman Minoru Kihara said around 36,900 homes remained without electricity, while gas supplies were still unavailable to about 9,500 homes. Communication networks were also not working in several areas.

More than 9,000 residents have been forced to leave their homes and are currently staying in over 500 evacuation shelters.

Authorities are arranging additional power supplies so shelters can operate air conditioning systems, as temperatures in the affected region are expected to exceed 32 degrees Celsius during the ongoing heat wave.

Search Continues at Collapsed Mall and Factory

Japan's Self Defence Forces joined rescue teams at the heavily damaged Aeon Mall in the town of Kashima.

Officials said the mall's second floor collapsed following an explosion believed to have been caused by a gas leak, trapping people inside. Authorities have not confirmed how many people may still be trapped.

Rescue efforts are also continuing at the Yatsushiro factory operated by Nippon Paper Industries Co, where a chimney collapsed during the earthquake.

According to the Kumamoto emergency team, seven people were believed to remain trapped beneath the debris as of Wednesday. Rescue workers had recovered two survivors and two bodies from the site.

Transport and Infrastructure Affected

The earthquake disrupted transport services across Kyushu.

The Kyushu Shinkansen bullet train remained suspended on Wednesday, while airport operations also faced disruption.

Aso Kumamoto Airport resumed operations after one runway was closed on Tuesday. However, officials warned that some flights could still be cancelled as recovery work continues.

Prime Minister Takaichi said the government was preparing to deliver food and other essential supplies to communities affected by the disaster.

Historic Kumamoto Castle Damaged

According to Kyodo News, the earthquake also damaged stone walls at Kumamoto Castle, one of the region's best-known tourist attractions.

The historic castle was severely damaged during the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake and remains under repair.

Hiroki Shimoda, an official at Mifune town hall, recalled the frightening moments during the latest quake.

"The shaking reminded me of the Kumamoto quake (10 years ago) and I was frightened," he said, adding that he saw roof tiles from nearby homes crashing to the ground.

The 2016 Kumamoto earthquake claimed at least 50 lives.

Recovery Efforts Continue

Emergency teams remain engaged in search and rescue operations as authorities continue assessing the full extent of the damage caused by the earthquake.

The disaster has left parts of Kumamoto facing fatalities, damaged buildings, disrupted transport, and interrupted utility services. Thousands of residents remain in evacuation shelters while rescue workers continue searching collapsed structures for survivors.

#Japan News #Global Updates #Japan Earthquake #World News