Hope dwindles for rescue after southwestern Japan earthquake as death toll climbs to 25

Residents in southwestern Japan are struggling to cope two days after a powerful magnitude 7.1 earthquake rocked the Kumamoto area. The disaster has claimed at least 25 lives, with nine additional deaths under investigation. Many survivors are camping in classrooms and vehicles, facing shortages of water and electricity.

Rescuers are working tirelessly in the affected regions, but the window to find survivors is closing. The quake caused significant damage, including explosions at a mall and the collapse of homes and a factory chimney. Thousands of people are staying in evacuation centers, with nearly 19,000 homes still without power.

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I can't sleep sitting in the car, so sometimes I go out for a walk during the night. I hope the town will provide temporary housing soon.

Concerns are growing about public health, particularly heatstroke, as temperatures in Kumamoto have soared above 33 degrees Celsius (91 F). The Ministry of Environment has issued a heatstroke alert for the region. In hard-hit areas like Hikawa town, where over 800 households were destroyed or damaged, residents are relying on aid for basic necessities like bottled water and rice.

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It's difficult to turn over while sleeping in a car.