Earthquake survivors battle sweltering heat in shelters as death toll rises

Survivors of a powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake in Japan are battling extreme heat in temporary shelters as the death toll continues to rise. The disaster, which struck the Kumamoto region on the southern main island of Kyushu, has claimed at least 34 lives, with five people in critical condition and 86 injured.

Rescuers are diligently searching for any remaining survivors amidst the debris. The earthquake has left nearly 19,000 homes without electricity, forcing over 9,000 people into approximately 400 shelters. The Ministry of Environment has issued a heat stroke alert for the Kumamoto area, where temperatures are expected to soar to 33 degrees Celsius on Thursday, exacerbating the difficult conditions for those displaced.

“

The needs on the ground are constantly changing. To put to rest the people's feelings of uncertainty, we will do all that needs to be done.

The earthquake caused significant damage, including the collapse of the second floor of the Aeon shopping center in Kashima town, where a suspected gas blast occurred. Seven people died at the mall site, and eleven were pulled from the wreckage. The Nippon Paper Industries factory in Yatsushiro city also suffered a partial collapse of a smokestack, resulting in eight fatalities.

In response to the crisis, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated that the central government will lead rescue coordination efforts, prioritizing the restoration of essential services like electricity, gas, and water. Meanwhile, some evacuees, like 66-year-old Yoshiaki Nakashima, are opting to sleep in their cars due to unease from aftershocks, highlighting the ongoing anxiety and disruption faced by the affected population.

“

It's difficult to turn over while