Japan earthquake death toll rises to 34

A severe earthquake in southern Japan has claimed at least 34 lives, with authorities reporting five people in critical condition. The tremor, which struck the southwestern island of Kyushu, caused extensive damage, including the collapse of houses, bridges, and a shopping center. Seven bodies were recovered from a partially collapsed shopping mall in Kashima city, and eight people died in a paper factory in Yatsushiro city.

Initial reports on the earthquake's magnitude varied, with Japanese authorities stating 7.1 and the US Geological Survey (USGS) reporting 6.8. Several aftershocks followed the main quake, and a brief tsunami warning was issued and later lifted. Thousands of households experienced power outages, with approximately 13,500 still without electricity. A significant explosion occurred at the Aeon shopping center in Kashima about 50 minutes after it was evacuated, with several employees still inside.

Rescue operations are being hampered by extreme heat, with temperatures expected to reach 38 degrees Celsius over the weekend. Hundreds of elderly residents sought refuge from the heat in a community center in Uki city, sleeping on thin mats. Authorities have supplied air conditioning units for emergency shelters. Images showed residents queuing for gasoline and water.

The affected Kumamoto prefecture was also struck by two devastating earthquakes in 2016, which resulted in 273 deaths and over 2,800 injuries. Japan experiences regular seismic activity due to its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire.