Japan earthquake: At least 18 dead as rescue efforts continue amid debris

A powerful 7.1 magnitude earthquake devastated parts of southwestern Japan on Tuesday, triggering extensive destruction and a desperate search for survivors trapped in collapsed buildings. At least 18 people have died, and rescue operations are ongoing under challenging conditions as soldiers and emergency workers sift through the rubble of homes and businesses in the Kumamoto region.

The quake struck the island of Kyushu a day earlier, injuring at least 62 people, six of whom are in serious condition, according to the Kumamoto prefectural government. The rising death toll fuels anxiety about further losses. The challenging rescue efforts are further hampered by high temperatures, with the number of missing individuals still unknown. The heatwave conditions exacerbate the difficult situation for rescuers.

Significant damage occurred at the Aeon Mall in Kashima city, where thousands of shoppers were present during the earthquake. The mall's second floor collapsed, trapping people. A gas explosion in another section of the mall, where employees remained, added to the chaos. Witnesses described the explosion as nearly as impactful as the earthquake itself. Aeon confirmed four deaths at the mall, with three people still missing.

In nearby Yatsushiro, the collapse of a chimney at a Nippon Paper Industries factory resulted in five fatalities. Seven others were rescued from the debris, but four people remain trapped. Approximately 34,900 homes are without power, and 15,000 lack water supply. Over 8,800 residents have evacuated their homes and are staying in more than 400 shelters, where emergency power sources are being set up for air conditioning.